‘The worst’: 24y/o wins UEFA award after AC Milan vs Newcastle, he’s been slammed by Italian media

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In the eyes of UEFA, Rafael Leao was the star of the show during AC Milan’s 0-0 draw with Newcastle United in the Champions League.

Stefano Pioli’s side were unable to find the net on Tuesday night, coming up against an inspired Nick Pope. He was immense at the San Siro, making eight saves to earn a second clean sheet of the season.

AC Milan feel like they deserved to win, but they just could not find a way past a resolute Newcastle side who head back to Tyneside with a point on the board.

There were some heroic performances in black and white, with Sean Longstaff shining and Kieran Trippier excelling.

However, it was an AC Milan star who was named as UEFA’s Player Of The Match following the Champions League opener.

Rafael Leao hammered for performance against Newcastle despite UEFA award

The honour went to Rafael Leao, who was described as a ‘constant threat all game – quick, strong, showing good movement and proving a real danger in the box’ by UEFA’s Technical Observer Panel.

While there were moments of magic from the 24-year-old, he has actually been described as AC Milan’s worst player by the Italian media.

Various Italian outlets have panned Leao for his performance, which makes it even more staggering that he was named the Player Of The Match.

Tuttosport gave the Portugal international a 4/10 in their player ratings article, admitting that he ‘made a lot of mistakes’ against Newcastle.

Elsewhere, Corriere Dello Sport also gave Leao a 4/10. Their analysis was far more scathing, stating that he had an ‘evening to forget’ and was ‘inattentive and never in the game’.

Milan Press were also brutal in their assessment of Leao. While they gave him a better rating of 5/10, they described him as ‘the worst on the pitch, without discussion’.

Player Of The Match should have gone to Newcastle star

It is difficult to understand why UEFA gave the Player Of The Match award to Leao. Sure, he produced a couple of exciting flicks and tricks, but he massively fumbled in the final third.

He had AC’s best chance, dancing through the Newcastle defence after some smart buildup play. However, he fluffed his lines by attempting a ridiculous backheel, rather than just powering an effort into the Magpies’ net.

While Newcastle were not brilliant at the San Siro, it was an excellent defensive performance. With that in mind, the UEFA award should have gone to one of Howe’s backline, most notably Nick Pope. The England international made save after save in the first half, and should have been recognised by UEFA for his contribution.