### Rafael Leão's Playing Time at AC Milan: Key Statistics
In the illustrious history of Italian football, few names have captured the imagination and captivated the hearts of fans as much as Rafael Leão. The Portuguese forward has been a key figure in AC Milan's recent resurgence, playing a pivotal role in their successful campaign that culminated in a Serie A title in 2019-2020. This article delves into Rafael Leão's playing time at AC Milan, highlighting his performance metrics and contributions to the club.
#### Early Career at AC Milan
Leão made his debut for AC Milan on June 26, 2018, during a friendly match against Atalanta. His arrival marked a significant moment in the club's history, bringing with him both talent and promise. Over the following years, he quickly established himself as one of the premier forwards in Europe.
#### Season 2019-2020
The 2019-2020 season was a defining period for Rafael Leão at AC Milan. Under manager Sadio Mane, the team secured their first Serie A title since 2004-2005. During this championship-winning campaign, Leão played a crucial role in the club's success, contributing to their offensive dominance.
**Key Statistics from the 2019-2020 Season:**
1. **Appearances:** Rafael Leão made 34 appearances for AC Milan throughout the season.
2. **Goals:** He scored 17 goals in total, including 6 league goals, 5 Champions League goals, and 6 Europa League goals.
3. **Assists:** He provided 7 assists for the club, which helped set up numerous scoring opportunities.
4. **Minutes Played:** Leão played a total of 1,320 minutes across all competitions, showcasing his versatility and stamina.
5. **Goal Contribution Rate (GCR):** His goal contribution rate was impressive,Ligue 1 Express standing at 51%, indicating his high impact on the scoring tally.
6. **Pass Completion Rate:** He completed 84% of his passes, demonstrating excellent technical accuracy and vision on the pitch.
#### Post-Championship Season
After securing the championship, Rafael Leão continued to excel for AC Milan. In the 2020-2021 season, he maintained his prolific form, playing 32 times and scoring 14 goals, including 5 league goals and 3 Champions League goals.
**Key Statistics from the 2020-2021 Season:**
1. **Appearances:** Rafael Leão made 32 appearances for AC Milan.
2. **Goals:** He scored 14 goals in total, including 5 league goals and 3 Champions League goals.
3. **Assists:** He provided 5 assists for the club, helping set up more scoring chances.
4. **Minutes Played:** Leão played a total of 1,164 minutes across all competitions, maintaining his high level of consistency.
5. **Goal Contribution Rate (GCR):** His goal contribution rate was 53%, further emphasizing his crucial role in the team's success.
6. **Pass Completion Rate:** He completed 85% of his passes, ensuring efficient movement and communication within the team.
#### Conclusion
Rafael Leão's playing time at AC Milan is characterized by exceptional performance and consistent contributions to the team's success. From his early days at the club to his post-championship reign, Leão has demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure and deliver game-changing moments. His statistics reflect his impact on the team's offense and overall performance, making him a valuable asset to AC Milan's squad.
As Rafael Leão continues to evolve as a player, it will be interesting to see how he adapts to new challenges and contributes even more to the club's future successes.