‘Only Cristiano Ronaldo’ matched Leao for talent, says former Sporting CP coach

Rafael Leao’s former youth-team coach Tiago Fernandes says that ‘only Cristiano Ronaldo’ matched the Milan star for talent and potential in the Sporting CP youth ranks, and says that his playing as a centre-forward is not a new phenomenon: ‘He can play anywhere, and for the best clubs in the world’. 

Leao and his Milan teammates currently sit at the top of the Serie A standings after picking up a 1-0 victory against Lazio on Saturday.

Thanks to Napoli’s 1-0 victory over Roma, the Rossoneri have moved up to first place in the standings, although there are currently four teams separated by just one point at the top of the league. 

It was a slow start to the season on an individual level for Leao, who missed over a month of action after picking up an injury against Bari in the first round of the Coppa Italia in August. 

He has gone from strength to strength since then, though, starring as a centre-forward in Massimiliano Allegri’s 3-5-2. He has five goals to his name in the league so far this season, matching Christian Pulisic, Hakan Calhanoglu, Nico Paz and Riccardo Orsolini in second place in the race for the division’s golden boot. 

Leao starring as a centre-forward is not a new phenomenon, says Tiago Fernandes, who coached the Rossoneri star for several years at Sporting CP. 

“I coached him from the age of 12 in practically every age group in the Sporting youth team. In Lisbon, only Cristiano Ronaldo had the same talent at that age. He’s undoubtedly the best player I’ve ever had,” he said in an interview with TMW. 

“His playing as a striker is nothing new. Rafa is a no.9, he almost always played there. As a kid, he reminded me of Ronaldo ‘O Fenomeno’: The speed, the technique, the quality in finishing,” Tiago Fernandes continued. 

“Leao can play anywhere, and for the best clubs in the world. He can do it for any team. It’s exciting to see him shine in San Siro. The many hours of hard work on the pitch are paid off. We were both very important to each other, and I’m really happy that he’s a star for a great club like Milan. 

“Allegri’s side is perfect for bringing out his qualities. I’m convinced that he will score a lot of goals this season and be happy.”