"Ever since the early part of preseason, it became apparently that Massimiliano Allegri not only wanted to use a 3-5-2 system, but that he saw Leao as the spearhead for it. He foresaw a deadly pairing in transition with Christian Pulisic, notwithstanding the arrival of a natural centre-forward."
"So far in 2025-26, Leao (who is on nine goals, with nine games to go) has more touches in the opposition box (4.5 vs 3.7), more lay-offs (2.2 vs 1.3) and more recoveries (1.4 vs 0.9). Interestingly, they have the exact same number for shots per game (2.2) and goals per game (0.4)."
"As of March 18 we are still in the dark as to whether Leao and Pulisic can work together in a front two, but the evidence thus far points towards it not getting the best out of both. A post-Lazio storm has engulfed the Portuguese, but some context to his numbers has arrived."
AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri implemented a 3-5-2 formation in the 2025-26 season with Rafael Leao positioned as a striker alongside Christian Pulisic. Despite preseason optimism about their transition play potential, evidence suggests the pairing may not maximize both players' abilities. Leao has scored nine goals with nine games remaining. Statistical analysis comparing Leao's current season to Olivier Giroud's prolific 2023-24 Serie A campaign reveals Leao excels in box touches, lay-offs, and recoveries, but matches Giroud's shots and goals per game, raising questions about conversion efficiency and tactical fit.
Read at SempreMilan
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