Rafael Leao News and Analysis

Barcelona could have a world-class attacking signing in the bag

11Nov

By Joe SorianoNo Comments

LaLiga

Barcelona could have a world-class attacking signing in the bag

Barcelona have the most electrifying attack in world football right now, as Hansi Flick has his side on a record-breaking pace, returning the Blaugrana to their status as the most entertaining team to watch in this sport. That's been the benchmark Barcelona have missed since the days of MSN, and, statistically speaking, Barcelona are off to a hotter start with the trio of Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and Lamine Yamal. But even as Raphinha has broken out as a Ballon d'Or candidate this season under Flick, matching Lewandowski and Yamal in quality, the Blaugrana are eyeing an even bigger attacking signing than the bold summer 2024 gamble on RB Leipzig man Dani Olmo. With Lewandowski still going strong, Barcelona are pivoting away from Joan Laporta's original dream of signing Manche...

AC Milan are making a move that will shred Real Madrid’s biggest weakness

4Nov

By Joe SorianoNo Comments

LaLiga, Serie A

AC Milan are making a move that will shred Real Madrid’s biggest weakness

AC Milan and Real Madrid will go head to head on Tuesday night in the Champions League with both sides having a point to prove to their fans. Real are coming off a 4-0 Clasico drubbing, while Milan have been mired in controversy all season long since hiring Paulo Fonseca. Real Madrid are the favorites despite their horrible loss to Barcelona, because experienced Madridistas will tell you of all the times the club have bounced back stronger than ever from a humiliation that woke them up by shaking the foundation to its core. As Real Madrid await the return of Rodrygo Goes in the attack, Milan are also set to welcome back a world-class attacking player who hasn't been starting by choice. Rafael Leao, as usual, has become the center of controversy in Milan, except the situation is ve...

Rafael Leao is a step closer to a Barcelona transfer next summer

3Nov

By Joe SorianoNo Comments

LaLiga

Rafael Leao is a step closer to a Barcelona transfer next summer

AC Milan superstar Rafael Leao has looked anything like a superstar this season, as his uneven performances have caused him to ride the pine on the Rossoneri bench, with controversial manager Paulo Fonseca seemingly singling out the Portuguese international as the scapegoat to shroud his own failings as coach. Fonseca's days in Milan are surely numbered, but the damage may already be done. Although Leao's stock has fallen as a result of Milan's play this season, elite clubs like Barcelona and even Chelsea could circle back to the left winger in the summer 2025 transfer window. Leao was the MVP of Serie A in the 2021/22 season when Milan last won the Scudetto, and he led the team to a Champions League semifinal berth in the following season. Although Barcelona have one of the best ...

AC Milan Predicted XI vs. Venezia: Rafael Leao, Theo Hernandez back in

13Sep

By Kevin ParviziNo Comments

Features, Serie A

AC Milan Predicted XI vs. Venezia: Rafael Leao, Theo Hernandez back in

AC Milan will face Venezia in Serie A this weekend on Saturday night at the San Siro. The Rossoneri are reeling to start the 2024/25 season, having lost to newly promoted Parma with draws agains Torino and Lazio. So that is no wins in three matches for new manager Paulo Fonseca, who was already under pressure the second he took the job, as Milan fans and legends were hoping for a bigger name to replace 2021/22 Scudetto winner Stefano Pioli. Milan are expecting nothing less than a convincing win against underdogs Venezia, who are back in Serie A after being bounced back down to the second flight after just one season in Serie A a couple of years ago. Here is a look at how AC Milan could line up at the San Siro on Saturday night in Serie A vs. Venezia. GK Mike Maignan, LB Theo He...

Ranking the 5 best Portugal players at Euro 2024

14Jun

By Cody AcevedaNo Comments

Features

Ranking the 5 best Portugal players at Euro 2024

Very few teams at Euro 2024 have more individual talent than Portugal. A Seleção famously lifted the 2016 European Championship trophy. Since then, they have made it to the Round of 16 or better of every tournament they’ve played in. Here are the star players Portugal will be relying on this time around. 5. Cristiano Ronaldo (FW, Al Nassr) Love him or hate him, Ronaldo is still one of Portugal’s best players. Whether he’s the best fit for Roberto Martínez’s system is another question. Ronaldo started just one of Portugal’s three pre-tournament friendlies. He scored two goals in his lone start against Ireland, playing as a part of a front two with AC Milan’s Rafael Leao. The legendary striker also won the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot, scoring 35 goals in 31 matches. He mi...

Ranking the 10 best wingers in world football for 2023

21Apr

By Kevin ParviziNo Comments

Champions League, Features

Ranking the 10 best wingers in world football for 2023

Some of the most important players in world football are wingers. They are entrusted with creating chances, scoring goals, stretching the pitch horizontally, testing defenses with vertical runs, easing pressure off strikers, manufacturing space for teammates, progressing the ball as dribblers, and completing take-ons to destabilize the defense. The best wingers in world football are capable of changing games on their own while also being a consistent thorn in the side of the defense. Let's rank the 10 best wingers in the world right now in 2023. 10. Manchester City RW Riyad Mahrez Riyad Mahrez has cooled off a bit, and there are a number of quality wingers at Manchester City. Yet Mahrez's technical class and accomplishments over the years mean that he must be considered one of t...