Rafael Leao has bemoaned over the over-reliance on stats in modern-day football, stressing that it makes him angry.
Leao expressed that “football is magic and joy” but in present times, the focus of many has shifted from the thrills of football to the numbers associated with the sport.
Rafael Leao insisted that he loves great goals, and would love to score more, however, he also provides assists and as such, he is a complete footballer.
The Portuguese is known for his dribbling and speed, with his moves having the ability to change the course of a game in quick time.
Leao joined AC Milan from French club Lille on August 19, 2019, for a fee of €49.5 million.
His assertions on football enthusiasts focus more on the numbers than on the in-game performances of players can be said to be true.
Certainly, players might have been dreadful in a particular game, however, because they scored or provided an assist, they sometimes will be spared from criticism.
Some footballers mask average performances with good numbers, and it becomes difficult for some to point out if they were average in a game because their numbers are bright.
There are some ghost workers in football teams, who produced magnificent displays across the years, however, their numbers aren't smiling.
Barcelona's Sergio Busquets is one notable example, with the Spaniard not really being a player, with swashbuckling stats, however, he is one of the greatest defensive midfielders to have played the round leather game.
Even Spanish legendary tactician Vicente del Bosque once said: “You watch the game, you don't see Busquets. You watch Busquets, you see the whole game.”
That was how magnificent the current Inter Miami and former Barcelona man was, with his ability to calm the tempo of a game and dictate play like an orchestra.
It won't be soothing to certain individuals to see certain players which they project and see as the best, to be only wonderful, due to their numbers.
There are many notable footballers, with alluring numbers, but with the microscopic lens of an eye test, they buckle to fit into top player status.
However, some have provided a balance, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi being the go-to option, amongst others, who have also been magnificent both in terms of stats and ability.
Messi and Ronaldo have the most delectable of stats, and definitely, their ability during the peak of their powers is unchallenged.
Anyway, Rafael Leao, currently looks to be a player with excellent abilities, although his numbers aren't quite sublime.
He has made 196 appearances for AC Milan, scoring 52 goals and providing 44 assists across all competitions.
Leao has played for just 3 clubs in his career, namely; his boyhood club - Sporting Lisbon, French club Lille and Italian giants AC Milan.
Raphael Leao was key to the Rossoneri winning the 2021/22 Italian Serie A campaign, triumphing against all odds.
Leao expressed that “football is magic and joy” but in present times, the focus of many has shifted from the thrills of football to the numbers associated with the sport.
Rafael Leao insisted that he loves great goals, and would love to score more, however, he also provides assists and as such, he is a complete footballer.
The Portuguese is known for his dribbling and speed, with his moves having the ability to change the course of a game in quick time.
Leao joined AC Milan from French club Lille on August 19, 2019, for a fee of €49.5 million.
His assertions on football enthusiasts focus more on the numbers than on the in-game performances of players can be said to be true.
Certainly, players might have been dreadful in a particular game, however, because they scored or provided an assist, they sometimes will be spared from criticism.
Some footballers mask average performances with good numbers, and it becomes difficult for some to point out if they were average in a game because their numbers are bright.
There are some ghost workers in football teams, who produced magnificent displays across the years, however, their numbers aren't smiling.
Barcelona's Sergio Busquets is one notable example, with the Spaniard not really being a player, with swashbuckling stats, however, he is one of the greatest defensive midfielders to have played the round leather game.
Even Spanish legendary tactician Vicente del Bosque once said: “You watch the game, you don't see Busquets. You watch Busquets, you see the whole game.”
That was how magnificent the current Inter Miami and former Barcelona man was, with his ability to calm the tempo of a game and dictate play like an orchestra.
It won't be soothing to certain individuals to see certain players which they project and see as the best, to be only wonderful, due to their numbers.
There are many notable footballers, with alluring numbers, but with the microscopic lens of an eye test, they buckle to fit into top player status.
However, some have provided a balance, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi being the go-to option, amongst others, who have also been magnificent both in terms of stats and ability.
Messi and Ronaldo have the most delectable of stats, and definitely, their ability during the peak of their powers is unchallenged.
Anyway, Rafael Leao, currently looks to be a player with excellent abilities, although his numbers aren't quite sublime.
He has made 196 appearances for AC Milan, scoring 52 goals and providing 44 assists across all competitions.
Leao has played for just 3 clubs in his career, namely; his boyhood club - Sporting Lisbon, French club Lille and Italian giants AC Milan.
Raphael Leao was key to the Rossoneri winning the 2021/22 Italian Serie A campaign, triumphing against all odds.