Former AC Milan striker Antonio Cassano has once again criticized Rafael Leão in a scathing assessment of the Portuguese winger’s performances. Speaking on “Viva el Futbol,” Cassano compared Leão unfavorably to other young talents in European football.
“Xavi Simons had an incredible game, Wirtz played stupendously, Lookman makes a difference. It’s a fact,” Cassano began, setting the stage for his critique. He then turned his attention to Leão, questioning his impact in high-profile matches: “The player who should be making a difference, between Liverpool and Leverkusen, did you see him? He earns 8 million, they hope he’ll have a decent season so they can sell him, and they’ll manage because his agent is the best in the world.”
Cassano expressed his frustration with Leão’s performances in crucial games, stating, “I want to see him in important matches. Everyone says he’s a phenomenon, he’s strong… He’s starting his sixth year, he had two decent months to win the Scudetto with Ibrahimovic on the field.”
The former Italy international didn’t hold back in his assessment of Leão’s playing style: “He walks, doesn’t make a decent pass, is never decisive in important games. What kind of player is he? He meets physical and fast animals like him and never gets the ball, like with Tapsoba and Konaté. In Italy, he makes two bursts against Venezia and he’s strong.”
Cassano concluded his rant with a damning verdict: “We have to convince ourselves that he’s a very overrated player and overhyped by the press.”
