Rafael Leao could be tailor-made for the Premier League, according to former AC Milan and Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, who believes Aston Villa would be making a statement signing if they manage to bring the Portuguese winger to Villa Park.
Leao has established himself as one of the most dangerous attacking players in Serie A, combining explosive pace with power, technical quality and the ability to create something from nothing.
For Begovic, those attributes make the AC Milan star particularly well suited to English football.
Speaking on Sky Sports, the former goalkeeper was emphatic about what Leao could bring to Villa.
“This wouldn’t be good news, it’d be great news for Villa fans! Rafael Leao would be an incredible signing.
“I have played with him. I have seen the potential, pace, power and skill.
“He will be super suited to the Premier League. His game, the talent he has and the physical attributes he has will suit the Premier League.”
Begovic’s argument is not simply based on Leao’s natural ability.
The former goalkeeper believes the 26-year-old could benefit enormously from working under Unai Emery, particularly if the Aston Villa boss gives him the freedom and responsibility to become one of the team’s central attacking figures.
Leao has enjoyed some impressive spells at Milan, but Begovic feels managerial changes have disrupted his consistency and prevented him from reaching his full potential on a sustained basis.
“At Milan, he came through the ranks and really developed. He had good senior players and had consistency. Things started to change, a lot of managers started to change.
“It hasn’t helped his consistency. Everyone has played him slightly differently. Look at Unai Emery and what he has done to some of the players at Aston Villa.”
Begovic pointed to Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins as examples of players who have flourished under Emery at Villa.
Both have become increasingly important to the team’s attacking structure, and Begovic believes Leao could experience a similar transformation if he arrives at Villa Park.
“Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins, taking their careers to the next level.
“Rafael Leao, working with Emery and getting the opportunity to be the main player at Villa, it would be huge.”
A player with Leao’s combination of speed, strength and creativity could give Villa another attacking weapon, particularly in transition and one-on-one situations.
His ability to carry the ball at speed and attack defenders would also offer Emery another way of stretching opponents and creating space for teammates.
That is why Begovic sees the potential move as more than a big-name acquisition.
For him, the real attraction is what could happen if Leao’s talent meets Emery’s tactical coaching.
If Villa can turn the speculation into a completed deal, Begovic believes they could be landing a player capable of taking both himself and the club to another level.
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