Same smile, same struggles: Familiar doubts surround Leao in potential defining season | OneFootball

“Let’s put a smile on that face,” is one of the all-time classic movie quotes vocalised by Batman’s nemesis, the Joker, when explaining how he ended up with the infamous scars.

There’s no need to say that line to Rafael Leão, who even during some of his worst performances still beams with a massive smile on the pitch, something reminiscent of former Milan talent Ronaldinho.

Because of this, some argue that Leão doesn’t seem to care enough or isn’t fully committed when the going gets tough. To a certain extent, that’s true. When is the last time he has carried the Rossoneri on his shoulders in times of difficulty?

Two years is an eternity in football terms. With that, it’s easy to forget that a then 23-year-old Leão was seen bursting into tears after claiming the Scudetto against Sassuolo on the final day of the season, collecting a deserved MVP award for the 2021-22 campaign to add the cherry on top.

It means something to him. He wants to win. He means well. But will his breathtaking talent ever align with his capability and expectations?

There is no harm in showcasing positive body language and bubbly personality. That’s just how he was born. However, instead of putting a smile on his face, perhaps that smile should not be turned upside down, but enough to display a bit of a growl at times.

Another chance slipped through Leão’s fingertips to prove himself in a monumental match, this time in the 2-1 derby victory against Inter. The Portuguese starlet was sluggish and uninspiring, wasting a couple of glorious goalscoring opportunities including a header only seconds after the restart.

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When it isn’t Leão’s day, it’s frighteningly obvious. Signs such as a lack of tracking back when defending, opting to pass the ball back to the defence on multiple occasions instead of beating his man and attempting ridiculous shots from outside the box were all evident in the recent derby.

The moment Paulo Fonseca arrived to take over the reins from Stefano Pioli meant it didn’t take long for the Portuguese links to become a narrative in preseason, with the hope of connecting with Leão on a personal level to squeeze the best out of his potential. Still, it’s early days.

During Milan’s derby heroics with their backs firmly against the wall coming into the contest, it can be argued that every player pulled their weight aside from Leão and Emerson Royal. Actually, that’s a plus.

The likes of Christian Pulisic are breaking the trend of not showing up in the big games, cementing himself as Milan’s most reliable outlet in the final third. No longer does the American have to scream at the top of his lungs to receive the ball: his team-mates trust him.

Despite Milan’s leaky defence, the club ranks first for most goals scored (11) in Serie A after the first five rounds, scored by nine different players. Gone are the days of Fonseca’s men being heavily reliant on Leão’s productivity which was always the big question if the 25-year-old went hiding. The play can be diversified on both wings instead of the predictable usage of the left-hand side.

Nonetheless, Leão’s frustrating inconsistency is halting the 19-time Italian champions from elevating to the next level. Imagine if he were consistent: could Milan become genuine Scudetto contenders if solutions are identified in the backline?

It’s one thing to silence the Curva Sud after scoring against Paris Saint-Germain last season or responding with a goal against Lazio nearly four weeks ago when he came off the bench. Kudos for showing a reaction if anything, but it shouldn’t have to take something negative such as receiving criticism or being dropped to perform at his best.

The highlight of the week should be Milan’s gutsy victory over their city rivals and saving Fonseca’s job, but this discussion around Leão is a sensitive yet important conversation to have.

Leão can achieve incredible feats; we’ve seen it with our own eyes. Watching him glide with the ball so effortlessly is a sight to behold – an element slowly dying in world football.

The new revamped 4-4-2 or 4-2-4 formation (whichever way you wish to interpret it) is beneficial for the former Sporting Lisbon product. There can be no excuses on that front.

Leão’s shoulders are well-rested, so it’s finally time for him to carry some responsibility as a leader who has represented the club 169 times and lift his side back to the summit.

The next few months could decide his future. Not just concerning Milan, but also the top clubs who might also be left unconvinced.