According to a recent report by the Spanish outlet Diario AS, Barcelona are looking at long-term replacements for the ageing Luis Suarez and has identified AC Milan striker Rafael Leão as a potential candidate to lead the line at the Nou Camp. The same source has also mentioned that the Catalans are focussing on recruiting talented young forwards with Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez and PSV Eindhoven’s Donyell Malen also on their shortlist.
Rafael Leao’s Promising Start To Life In Italy
Leao decided to join AC Milan from LOSC Lille earlier this summer and has made a bright start to his career in Italian football. The Sporting CP youth product managed to score his first goal for his new employers last month. It was a fantastic solo goal against Fiorentina which was much appreciated by the Milan supporters inside the San Siro. He also picked up a deserved assist against Torino earlier in this campaign which goes to highlight his excellent potential.
The 20-year-old has been a decent goal-scorer at every club he has ever played at which proves that he is a natural finisher in the final third.
Leao has also represented Portugal at various youth levels but is yet to secure his first senior cap for his country. It is bound to come sooner rather than later if he can continue proving his worth at Milan in the coming years.
What Does The Milan Youngster Offer On The Field?
Leao is one of the quickest players in the Italian top-flight, and his electric pace helps him to make some well-timed runs behind the opposition backline. He can take up some dangerous positions in the attacking third of the pitch and is a quality finisher in front of the opposition goal. However, he needs to work on his link-up play with others around him. The Portuguese’s long-range shooting also has a lot of room for improvement.
Is Leao A Striker To Look Out For In The Future?
The Portuguese starlet is still quite a raw talent and is unproven at the highest level. However, Barca are no strangers to having talented youngsters play in their first-team, with the club boasting the famous La Masia academy that has produced first-teamers such as Lionel Messi, Ansu Fati and Carles Pérez.
Leao has already proven that he can be a prolific goal-scorer and is only getting better with each season. The Portuguese wonderkid is undoubtedly a prospect to look out for in the future as he can be a world-class player in his position someday.
