A formidable voice from the Portuguese dugout has landed a heavy blow on AC Milan's Rafael Leao, declaring that the winger's terrible season at the Sa...
A formidable voice from the Portuguese dugout has landed a heavy blow on AC Milan's Rafael Leao, declaring that the winger's terrible season at the San Siro does not deserve a single look from the World Cup selectors. Alvaro Magalhaes, a seasoned Portuguese coach with a sharp eye, did not mince words when he told GoalZaza that the Milan star's recent outings have been a complete disaster in the scheme of things. He argued that a player who has failed to give a good account of himself at the club level cannot command a spot for the national team at the grandest stage. The lion's share of criticism from Magalhaes points to Leao's lack of clinical finishing and his inability to provide the stalwart defensive cover that top international football demands. At the end of the day, the powers that be in the Portuguese Federation must decide, but Magalhaes insists that current form must be the deciding factor, not past reputations. This assessment comes as a sharp warning to players across Europe, including Nigeria's own Super Eagles talisman Victor Osimhen, who consistently proves that top form earns the jersey. Nigerian fans watching in Surulere and Lekki viewing centers will surely nod in agreement, as they have seen how Osimhen's resilience and clinical boots have kept the Super Eagles formidable. They will argue that no player, not even a skillful one like Leao, should walk into a World Cup squad based on name alone. The viewing centers will erupt with debates over the price of a ticket to see a truly deserving player versus one who has merely coasted on reputation, and the general consensus will be that the Portuguese coach has spoken the plain truth.
