Why is Rafael Leao struggling for AC Milan? How Paulo Fonseca’s tactical shift is resulting in points

AC Milan star Rafael Leao is struggling this season beneath new Rossoneri coach Paulo Fonseca. The Portuguese winger solely scored one aim in all competitions to date within the 2024-25 season, regardless of taking part in 9 video games between Serie A and Champions League soccer. Whereas he does have 4 assists offered to his teammates, it appears like Fonseca nonetheless has but to search out find out how to make him carry out at his greatest. 

In comparison with the previous season beneath supervisor Stefano Pioli, AC Milan are taking part in otherwise. Earlier than, the Italian giants had been taking part in with a 4-2-3-1, with Leao and USMNT Christian Pulisic on the wings, whereas this season Fonseca opted for a 4-3-3 after which for a 4-4-2, with Leao and Pulisic nonetheless taking part in on the alternative wings. Greater than the numbers, the Rossoneri fanbase are demanding far more from probably the most proficient participant within the AC Milan roster, who’s struggling to be constant week after week. 

With the Portuguese nationwide group, Leao had an impressive Worldwide break the place he confirmed his ability particularly towards Poland, because the aspect coached by Roberto Martinez received 3-1 and he offered one help to Cristiano Ronaldo’s aim. With Portugal, Leao seemed extra snug and the 4-2-3-1 in all probability provides to him extra freedom and more room to assault. That is a key facet that needs to be underlined: Leao wants area in entrance of him to indicate his greatest, when he has area to assault he turns into harmful for the opponents. At AC Milan, this does not occur as usually as earlier than. Fonseca’s possession ball (56.3%) and his concept to convey extra gamers on the attacking third reduces the occasions Leao is dealing with one defender for a person duel, the second he is extra harmful. 

Trying on the numbers purely, Leao is barely underperforming, however not an excessive amount of. Throughout the opening seven Serie A video games, he had a 2.03 xG (one aim scored), but additionally 1.52 xA (3 assists delivered). Of the 23 pictures, solely 10 had been on track (43.5%) and had 295 passes total, solely two greater than goalkeeper Mike Maignan. Numbers can clarify his begin of the season, however what numbers do not present is the standard of soccer he performed to date. It is vital for Fonseca and the group that he begins to ship extra additionally by way of his perspective on the pitch. 

Leao, alongside Theo Hernandez and Pulisic, is among the gamers that has to drive this group past this preliminary disaster. AC Milan received the Derby della Madonnina towards Inter, however then additionally misplaced two video games together with the final one towards Fiorentina, drew two and in addition misplaced two out of two Champions League matches towards Liverpool at residence and Bayer Leverkusen away. Throughout an away sport towards Lazio, which resulted in a 2-2 draw, each Leao and Theo Hernandez had been seen away from the group discuss whereas the Rossoneri supervisor Fonseca was talking through the second half’s cooling break. A second that apprehensive not solely many AC Milan fan but additionally impartial onlookers. In that sport, the previous Lille coach determined to bench each gamers after a disappointing begin of the season, in search of for a response of the group. 

Regardless of scoring the opening aim of the match, the Rossoneri struggled within the second half as Lazio made a fast comeback and scored twice within the opening minutes. Fonseca was pressured to make modifications and determined to name each stars from the bench. Two minutes after Leao stepped on the pitch, he scored. Few seconds after scoring the equalizer, the sport was stopped for the cooling break and that is when each gamers did not take part within the group discuss. 

Regardless of the context of what occurred (Fonseca and Theo Hernandez had been clear on saying it wasn’t towards the supervisor), that is what has to alter in his conduct. Leao has to grow to be the star who drives the opposite gamers together with his performances and perspective. The expertise is there, he simply must make that psychological step wanted to finish the method of turning into among the finest gamers round.