Rafael Leao expresses confidence in his ability to reach the levels of Leo Messi and Kylian Mbappé, placing himself in an ‘ideal XI’ even though acknowledging that some players of his age group are currently performing at a ‘higher level.’ In an interview with Sky Sport Italia before Milan’s first game of the year against Cagliari in Coppa Italia, the 24-year-old Portuguese star reflects on the beginning of his professional football career and the challenges he faced. Leao discusses his time at Sporting, where despite initial obstacles, he showcased his potential by scoring a goal in a game against Porto. Subsequently moving to Lille in France, he acknowledges the difficulties of spending five months on the bench and adapting to life alone in a foreign country. Despite the tough start, Leao believes that the experience abroad played a crucial role in his development as a player. Currently regarded as a leader at Milan, he is actively contributing to the growth of young players and recently provided the assist for Jan-Carlo Simic’s first Serie A goal.
“It felt incredible, akin to scoring the first goal,” expressed the Portuguese striker regarding providing the assist for Simic’s goal. Leao, recognizing the potential in young players like Camarda, emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities and acknowledges the motivation derived from the expectations of his teammates.
When asked about his idol’s jersey number, he notes Ronaldo’s association with the No. 7. Leao believes he can reach the level of players like Ronaldo, Messi, and Mbappé, emphasizing the importance of mindset and numbers in making a difference at that elite level.
Regarding inclusion in a Top XI with the world’s best players, Leao confidently affirms his candidacy, citing his current performance despite acknowledging that some players of his age are currently at a higher level. Grateful for the support from fans, he acknowledges their role in his transformation from an unnoticed arrival at Milan to becoming an idol, emphasizing the positive pressure they’ve provided in shaping his present success.
His ideal XI is set up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Maignan in goal, Cancelo as the right-back, Theo on the left, Thiago Silva as one center-back alongside Ruben Dias. The midfield consists of Bellingham, De Bruyne, and Modric. In the attacking trio, Leao takes the left-wing position, Vinicius on the right, and Mbappé as the central forward.
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