AC Milan legend: Liao is among the Top 5 Rossoneri Strikers of All-Time

Milan legend Alessandro Costacurta believes Rafael Leao is among the top five strikers in the world, but Paolo Di Canio and Alessandro Del Piero don’t seem to agree. The Portuguese striker scored and assisted in Milan’s 3-1 win over Empoli on Saturday night. He has already collected four goals and seven assists in nine games across all competitions this season after being named Serie A’s Best Player for 2021-22. Milan legend Costacurta, now a pundit for Sky Sport Italia, said on Saturday that the ex-Sporting starlet is among the top five strikers in the world, but his compatriots Di Canio and Del Piero don’t share his view. “[Erling] Haaland is in a different category. I don’t look at aesthetics, Haaland has already visited other words,” said Di Canio during last night’s show Sky Calcio Club.
“Leao has the talent to be in the top three, he is destined to go there, but right now he is not,” the ex-Lazio and Juventus striker added. “Don’t exaggerate,” continued Juventus legend Del Piero. “A year ago, I was one of the few saying that this lad could become a phenomenon once aware of his qualities. He is on the right path. His impact is incredible. However, he is still not among the top five strikers in the world.
“Right now, three are at PSG and two at Real Madrid, plus Haaland, Lewandowski, and all the rest. Leao has extraordinary qualities, but today he is not among the top five, but I hope he will become so.”
Leao joined Milan in a €30m deal from Lille in 2019 and has a €150m release clause included in his contract. The Rossoneri rejected Chelsea’s approaches over the summer and are now in talks to extend the striker’s contract which runs out in June 2024.