Tottenham defender Matt Doherty has lauded Portugal international and 2022 FIFA World Cup star Rafael Leao amid reports that Spurs are interested in signing the AC Milan winger.
Writing on Tottenham’s official website, the Republic of Ireland right-back was full of praise for Leao ahead of Portugal’s second game of the World Cup, with Cristiano Ronaldo and company failing to beat Uruguay in the penultimate group stage match.
Despite the result, Leao has been one of the stars of the tournament for Portugal, with the attacker taking his incredible form at club level with Milan into Qatar as the 23-year-old has lit up the competition for the European powerhouses.
And according to reports, Tottenham are interested in signing Leao, with CalcioMercatoWeb recently reporting that Antonio Conte’s side are one of many clubs chasing the Milan superstar, who looks set to leave Italy in 2023 amid mounting transfer interest.
Indeed, Leao would be quite the coup for the north London side given their already stacked attacking options. And for Doherty, the Portuguese star is a player to keep an eye on during the World Cup despite Os Navegadores’ precarious position in the group.
The Tottenham defender said: “I don’t think he will start, but if he does start, a player to look out for is Portugal’s Rafael Leao. He plays for AC Milan, a strong, direct winger, very fast. Hopefully he start, if not, I’m sure he’ll come off the bench. He did that and scored against Ghana in the first game. He’s very good.”
Matt Doherty right to laud Portugual’s newest World Cup star
Leao has long been regarded as one of Europe’s most exciting talents, and this World Cup has given the Portgual international the platform needed to truly showcase his abilities, with the winger set for a huge move in 2023 based on current form.
Whilst Tottenham might lose out on the race, Doherty is right to laud the attacker and to give Leao the credit the youngster deserves, with the Milan star taking the opportunity of the World Cup with both hands and to glorious effect.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
