Former AC Milan forward Antonio Cassano has criticised Rafael Leao and compared him with Manchester United forward Anthony Martial.
The Portuguese-Angolan forward has been very influential for the Rossoneri since their Serie A triumph during the 2021-22 season, reaching double digit goals then and the 2022-23 season.
The 24-year-old has continued by scoring three goals in five league games this season but despite his strong form, Leao has come under criticism from figures such as former Milan coach Fabio Capello who believe Leao does not contribute enough to the team while Cassano thinks Leao does not have the mentality of a champion, something Martial has consistently been criticised about in his eight years at Old Trafford.
“Leao is neither meat nor fish, he reminds me of Martial. Last year Nzola scored more goals than him,” Cassano told BoboTV as per Football Italia.
“In the Champions League we need players with personality who can rock matches, but Milan don’t have champions.”
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A former Milan figure in Mario Balotelli also weighed in on Leao, asserting he does not have the personality to play in the iconic San Siro along with other young players the club have signed in recent times.
“Here I am. Milan’s problem is that the young players you sign then have to deal with San Siro, which is not a stadium like any other, you need players with personality,” Balotelli said.
“I like Pioli, but if Leao isn’t good Milan do very little. If Leao has a bad day, it’s difficult for Milan to win.”
Milan have won four out of five matches in the Serie A this season with their only blemish being a heavy 5-1 bashing by fierce rivals Inter Milan.
