This article contains adult content that may be inappropriate for minors. Please confirm that you are 18 years or older to continue. This article contains images or details that some readers may find disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. Each passing year, Rafael Leão is gaining more prominence at Milan. This season, without European competitions, the forward has 9 goals and 2 assists in 20 Serie A matches and has often played as a striker, at Allegri's request. Christian Abbiati, former goalkeeper of the rossoneri, praised the Portuguese international but also pointed out areas for improvement in his game, especially in this new position, admitting that he enjoys watching him play there. Good news for Roberto Martínez, who may not count on Cristiano Ronaldo in the next stage. "Certainly [I see Rafael Leão as] a solution [for Milan]. He has skill, an important physical presence. As a striker, he still needs to improve his movements because he remains a player who needs space and struggles against tight defenses. Allegri trains him every day and sees things that we do not see. The most complex work is training him in movements as a striker… I like him," he said in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, discussing the Milan derby, which could be decisive for the title race. "Well, it's a do-or-die game: if it goes wrong, the championship ends; if we win, hope returns to reopen it. But winning would also be important to send a signal to those behind. Rafa is maturing in this aspect as well. Externally, he has one image; internally, another. And the internal one, I assure you, is better than the external," he added, returning to speak about the team's star. "I stand by him; he carries a reputation that does not correspond at all to his work. I would like to highlight, for example, the embrace with Maignan after scoring against Como: Mike was aware of the mistake in the opposing goal, and Leão, when he scored the equalizer, crossed the entire field to hug his captain. I really liked that. The group is present, united, and Allegri has been very good at this," he stated.
Milan Christian Abbiati remains central to this story.
Milan Christian Abbiati remains central to this story.
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