Tag: Rafael Leao

Leao: I’d prefer Pulisic to play as a No. 10

The Portuguese star wants to see Pulisic a bit closer to him on the field

Rafael Leão and Christian Pulisic formed a potent connection with AC Milan last season, but the former is now hoping to see the latter play a bit closer to him on the pitch.

Pulisic had a career-best campaign with Milan in 2023-24, scoring 15 total goals as he lined up on the right flank, while Leão posed a huge attacking threat on the left flank.

The American star would occasionally be given chances to play more centrally as an attacking playmaker, producing some strong displays in the middle as well.

Leão would like to see Pulisic get more chances to play in the middle in 2024-25.

“I knew the quality of Christian. When he arrived, I sent him a message and I told him, ‘Bro, let’s kill them,’ because I needed someone like him to bring something different on the pitch,” Leão told “Futbol Americas” on ESPN.

“I’m very happy to have him as a teammate, he’s a player who can change the game like this,” he added. “I’m happy with him and I expect him to do the same or better this season.”

The Portugal international added: “I’m not a coach, but I prefer Christian as a No. 10. In the middle he has space to go to the left or the right and he shoots very well.

“I think Christian can be very dangerous as a No. 10, but I think he fits well in our team as a 10 or on the right. As a 10 he can give me assists, we can do one-twos in the middle of the pitch … he can do whatever.”

Leão could get his wish in the upcoming campaign, as new Milan coach Paulo Fonseca has said Pulisic is an option for him centrally.

Watch Leão discuss Pulisic

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Pulisic credits Leao for standout goalscoring season at AC Milan

The USMNT star says his teammate requires plenty of attention from opposing defenses

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.”

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AC Milan’s Rafael Leao is Christian Pulisic’s newest fan

Changing clubs? Better impress your new team’s best player

It looks like Christian Pulisic is quickly winning over just about everyone at AC Milan.

Milan’s Rafael Leão said that Pulisic’s summer transfer from Chelsea has been a big plus for the team, and that the U.S. men’s national team star has impressed so far.

“I really like him,” Leão told ESPN in an interview published on Tuesday. “I like players that are not afraid to get the ball and go one against one, one against two, one against three. He’s fast. He can shoot with the left foot, with the right foot. I’m really enjoying it.”

Pulisic has hit the ground running, providing two assists in the early minutes of a preseason rout of lower-division side FC Lumezzane last week. On Sunday, in front of a far larger crowd at the Rose Bowl, Pulisic got another assist as Milan fell 3-2 to Real Madrid in a Soccer Champions Tour friendly.

Leão was by far Milan’s most effective attacking player in 2022-23, leading the team in goals (15) and assists (10). Olivier Giroud’s 13 goals represented the only other Rossoneri player to hit double digits in either category.

That appeared to be on Leão’s mind, as the Portugal attacker said that Pulisic will both make the attack better, and add competition for places on a team that finished a disappointing fourth in Serie A last season.

“I feel good because [adding Pulisic] pushes me as well to do more,” said Leão. “Imagine, maybe the coach [Stefano Pioli] can put Pulisic in my position. But in my head, he has quality to help the team, to make the difference, like me. It’s important to have similar players, high level, high quality players…this will help us get trophies.”

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