Ex-Milan striker explains Leao struggles: ‘He’s halfway there’ | OneFootball

Former Milan striker Hernan Crespo has given his verdict on the situation surrounding Rafael Leao in San Siro, explaining that the Portugal international appears ‘confused’ and lacking in maturity.

Leao has been cast under the spotlight again in recent weeks. The scrutiny intensified when he was hauled off just shy of the hour mark during Milan’s 3-1 win over Club Brugge in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Milan had originally taken the lead, but then conceded an equaliser at the start of the second-half, despite the fact that Brugge were playing with 10 men. Leao went off after 57 minutes and the team got themselves back in front almost immediately.

Crespo weighs in on Leao struggles: ‘Hasn’t reached that level of maturity’

Crespo feels that Leao is ‘half-way there’ on his journey to becoming a world-class footballer, but feels that he is still lacking in maturity.

“Im watching from the outside because I’m not at Milanello, even though I know the club well,” Crespo told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“The first word that comes to mind is confusion. It appears as though Leao is confused. There is a mentality problem first and foremost, before the technical issues.

“I have my opinion. He’s a talent, he has great qualities, both technical and athletic, but he hasn’t reached a level of maturity that a champion has to have. It’s like we’re halfway there. Knowing how to dribble isn’t enough to call yourself a champion.”

Crespo, who represented Milan in 2004-05, as well as Inter in two separate stints, is currently serving as head coach of UAE Pro League club Al-Ain.