Rafa Luka Modric says matchwinner Rafael Leão is “one of the best in the world” as Milan go top of Serie A | OneFootball

Milan 2-1 Fiorentina

Rafael Leão was the star of the show with two goals as AC Milan came from behind to beat Fiorentina 2-1 at San Siro, moving top of Serie A on Sunday evening.

The brace represents Leão’s first goals of the campaign, which was disrupted early on by injury, but were a much-needed confidence boost for the Portuguese. His first was an impressive low drive from distance not long after the hour mark to level the scoring, before Leão kept his nerve from the penalty spot (86’) to secure the points.

“We knew this was a difficult match, even though Fiorentina are having a tough time, as they have quality players like Moise Kean who can hurt us,” Leão said of Milan’s opponents, who had taken a surprise lead early in the second half through Robin Gosens.

“We worked as a team, it was difficult and we didn’t create many chances, but once we broke the deadlock, the team emerged,” Leão continued. “I dedicate the goals to my family, my teammates who helped me and kept me in a good mood in the locker room. We must continue like this, collectively and individually, as we can do great things this season.”

Modric salutes Leão

The arrival of veteran midfielder Luka Modric at San Siro has proved a huge boost for the Rossoneri. The Croatian, who turned 40 this year, shows no signs of slowing down as he regularly plays the full 90 minutes for Milan. It was the case again on Sunday, after which Modric was high in praise of teammate Leão.

“Rafa is really amazing,” Modric said. “I was looking forward to playing with him, unfortunately he got injured quickly, but now he’s getting back to fitness. This is the Rafa that we need.

“He’s an amazing talent, from outside when I used to watch him and now when I train with him, I see he is one of the best players in the world. The incredible thing is that he can still improve, it just depends on him. I hope these two goals can help him grow his confidence and be the main guy for us, he will be very important and we will depend a lot on him. He showed why tonight.”

From his end, Leão reciprocated the admiration, telling reporters: “When Modric arrived at Milanello, he gave me a hug and said he wanted to help me. It is great playing alongside him and I hope he can give me many assists!”