Christian Pulisic believes his career-best goalscoring season at AC Milan would not have been possible if not for Rafael Leão’s presence.
With one game remaining, Pulisic has scored 15 goals in all competitions, 12 of which have come in league play. Both totals are career highs.
Pulisic has become a fixture on the right flank of Milan’s attacking setup, with Portugal star Leão usually lining up opposite Pulisic on the left side.
The U.S. men’s national team star has said that the attention Leão attracts from opposing defenses has led to numerous openings for him over the course of the season.
“The truth is that I’ve become accustomed to playing on the right, and I’ve been scoring goals thanks to a little secret: it’s called Rafael Leão,” Pulisic said in an interview with Il Giornale, transcribed by Sempre Milan.
“I’ve studied and understood how he moves. Usually, he attracts two or three opponents, so the defense is not so covered on the opposite side. Therefore, I can move towards the middle of the box and I am sure I will receive a perfectly timed pass.”
Leão has come in for criticism at times this season, as the 24-year-old has mixed in outstanding performances with matches that aren’t up to his high standards.
After scoring 15 times in Serie A last season, the Portugal international has only eight goals this time around.
Pulisic has defended his teammate, saying that he can sometimes be a victim of the high expectations he has created for himself.
Asked about fan criticism of Leão, the USMNT star replied: “Because they remember his best days and expect him to always be at his best, every week, scoring 50 goals a season! He and I often talk about this, and I can assure you that Rafa is the first to know and to strive to give more to Milan and his career.”
[lawrence-related id=70980,70011,51884]