CM: Leao divides opinion again – what his Leverkusen performance showed | OneFootball

As often happens in big games where he does not get on the scoresheet, Rafael Leao’s performance against Bayer Leverkusen is dividing opinion among fans and the media.

As Calciomercato.com‘s Daniele Longo writes, the most positive note was probably Youssouf Fofana who took the keys to the midfield and gave an almost omni-present performance, showing exactly what he can bring as the balancer of the side.

The most interesting note concerns Leao: against the German champions he was unable to score or assist as much as he would have liked, but the work for and with the team was excellent, meaning the winger must start again from here.

Leao’s performance at the BayArena divided the fans as often happens. However, those who are dissatisfied are smaller in numbers than those who appreciated the fighting spirit shown on the field by the former Lille man.

He was not always perfect in defensive retreats, but he certainly showed himself to be attentive and fully applied particularly during what was a difficult first half spent mostly defending. Rafa is working on some aspects that he previously neglected, now he wants to become complete and mature.

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Several factors have made this start to the season complicated for Leao. We are still far from seeing the best version of the 25-year-old, but Fonseca is asking him to work differently defensively which requires some time to adjust to.

However, there is also the fact that cannot be ignored: what everyone expects from Leao is a goal that decides a match or an assist that breaks it open, given he is the highest-paid player and he is now entering his sixth season at the club.