Although the season may be over for Liverpool, there is still football being played thanks to the summer international calendar.
While the end of year matches can often feel like a bit of a drag after a long campaign, they do offer a fix for those who can’t get enough football.
From a Liverpool point of view, there has been plenty for fans to get their teeth stuck into.
Jeremie Frimpong delivered an interesting display for the Netherlands on Saturday, for example, while Sunday brought the UEFA Nations League final, and a chance for Diogo Jota to win another trophy.
Jota was the only member of the Liverpool squad involved in Portugal against Spain, and the Reds No. 20 played his part in a penalty shootout victory for Cristiano Ronaldo and co.
But while it is always nice to see a Liverpool player earn some international silverware, Reds fans were seemingly more interested in the performance of AC Milan winger Rafael Leao during the game.
Liverpool fans impressed by Rafael Leao
Leao has been linked with Liverpool this summer as the Reds line up potential replacements for Luis Diaz.
But although the 25-year-old could seemingly be on the market, journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that there is nothing concrete between Liverpool and Leao.
That has not stopped supporters from being excited by the Milan winger, though, with many impressed by his appearance from the bench against Spain.
“Rafael Leao is absolutely running the show, would love him at Liverpool!” said one fan. “Rafael Leao or Nico Williams. Those two names I want at LW,” added another.
READ MORE: How Sadio Mane could indirectly contribute to Luis Diaz leaving Liverpool this summer
“This Leao cameo is moving me,” someone else chimed in. “Bring him to Anfield.”
“Rafael Leao is a freak of nature you shouldn’t be moving that fast when you’re that big,” another supporter claimed, with one more adding: “So tell me again I’m crazy for wanting Leao.”
“If Arne Slot is watching somewhere, he’ll be super impressed with the ability of Rafael Leao taking his man on the outside. A trait Liverpool currently lack,” was someone else’s analysis.
“Really like what I’m seeing from Rafael Leao in this Nations League final,” another added. “Would you guys like to have him at Liverpool if Diaz leaves?”
“Yes, he’s only £59m and has decent wages brilliant Diaz replacement,” and “Definitely,” being just some of the glowing responses.
How did Rafael Leao play against Spain?
As some fans pointed out, Leao was not a starter for Portugal against Spain. In fact, Roberto Martinez waited until the 74th minute to bring him on for Bernardo Silva.
Still, counting extra-time, the former Lille wide man managed a full 46 minutes of action.
During that time he completed 10 out of 16 passes, touched the ball 35 times and was successful in only one out of four dribbles.
Leao was dispossessed twice, did not create a chance and won seven of his 15 duels.
All in all, it was not a particularly noteworthy performance from Leao statistically. However, he is very much an exciting player, and what he showed against Spain was enough to convince some Liverpool fans he should be on the shortlist at Anfield.
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