Davide Calabria suggested that his Milan teammate Rafael Leao needs one thing in particular from Kylian Mbappe to help him win the Ballon d’Or one day.
The 24-year-old Portuguese winger has continued to impress with the Rossoneri this season, despite the various criticisms he’s received over the last few months. He has netted 10 goals and provided 11 assists across 36 appearances, being a focal point of the team’s attack.
Despite signing a new long-term contract with Milan last summer, Leao has continued to be mentioned in the build-up to the summer transfer window, with Paris Saint-Germain considering him as a possible replacement for the outgoing Mbappe, but he has seemingly closed that door.
Calabria on history, Leao and Milan season
Speaking to RadioTV Serie A via TMW, Calabria first discussed his history in football and time with Milan.
“I grew up in the village team like many boys, I kicked my first ball at five years old. My passion for football was rampant, we played everywhere. I started as a midfielder, I played at Milan when I was 11 in my first year.
“I liked playing in the middle of the pitch, it’s a role that still interests me today. The first coach to let me play as a full-back was Filippo Inzaghi, who out of necessity put me on the left. I did very well that year and from then on, I always remained a full-back.
“It was a useful development, also because initially playing on the left I also learned to use my left foot better. Inzaghi was the coach who allowed me to make a career change, both in the youth sector and in the first team, giving me my debut.”
He spoke about the qualities of teammate Leao and what he needs to add to his game to reach the next level.
“Leao represents the joy of the game, he has an innate talent that allows him to have an edge. He must be able to remain calm, then the pitch speaks for him, the numbers show that he is a fundamental player for us.
“If he becomes more aware of his talent, he could become number one in the world, I think he’s a Ballon d’Or player. On a technical level, with his physical characteristics, I don’t see many like him. If he had Mbappe’s killer instinct in front of goal, I think he could win the Ballon d’Or.”
Finally, Calabria reflected on Milan’s so far and their final two months of the campaign.
“We wanted to win the Scudetto, but we have to be honest, Inter had a crazy season, out of the ordinary. We are having a great season, we are traveling at the same pace as the Scudetto year.
“The objective was to do the best possible. It’s still early (regarding Inter winning their second Scudetto star in the derby, ed.), there are games before that, we want to win them all and this won’t happen.”
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