Geoffrey Moncada was promoted to technical director of AC Milan in the summer and recently, he spoke about the club at great length. Among other things, he highlighted why the UEFA Youth League is so important for the Primavera side.
Moncada arrived at Milan in December of 2018 and became the Chief Scout of the club, following his impressive work with Monaco. And when Paolo Maldini was sacked by the club in the summer, Gerry Cardinale promoted Moncada to technical director.
Speaking about the Rossoneri at length in his interview with MilanTV, Moncada also shared his thoughts on Rafael Leao’s journey. In his answer, he also explained why the Primavera’s success in the UEFA Youth League is important for the club.
“Leao? I first discovered him when I was at Monaco. I went on a scouting trip to Lisbon and there was a Sporting U19 league match. I saw a player with No.10 on his back. He was tall, fast and technically gifted, the qualities that we all recognise in Leao. I immediately saw a player with incredible talent.
“Then, we followed him at all levels and I’m certain other scouts noticed him as well. However, he didn’t always do well. One game he played, one game he was with the B team, another time with the U19s. It was difficult to follow him.
“The most important thing for me is when, at the end of their academy experiences, players play in the UEFA Youth League. When players do well in that competition, it’s a clear indication that they will have a successful career; it’s as easy as that.
“And Leao did incredibly well in the Youth League, he was on another planet. The whole world of scouting, not only Monaco and Milan, watched him and concluded that he would be a strong player. Now he’s playing and doing well,” he stated.
In other words, the Youth League can provide the club with important information on the players in the Primavera side. Francesco Camarda, for example, has scored more goals in that competition than in the league this season.
Ignazio Abate’s boys finished first in their group, winning four and losing two games, up against the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Newcastle and PSG. They are tipped to go far this season, but everything will depend on how many Primavera players will be with the first team.
“Leao? discovered him when I was at Monaco. I went on a scouting trip to Lisbon and there was a Sporting U19 league match. I saw a player with No.10 on his back. He was tall, fast and technically gifted, the qualities that we all recognise in Leao. I immediately saw a player with incredible talent.”
Juro
25 December 2023, 15:41 at 3:41 pm
Notable he didn’t say Leao, Theo, Mike, etc….
Hmmmmm….
There were talented young players where Milan invested heavily in last seasons – Leao, Paqueta, CdK.
There were talented players Milan invested heavily in the past and they failed – Kluiver, Rivaldo, Davids, Gourcuff for example.
No one knows what turn their careers will take, when and where they’ll succeed. It always a lottery with or without algorithms and analysis.
Yea, some people have misconception that talent is all that is needed to succeed at the club. Environment and personality affect a lot in future prospects as well. Sometimes you got to be at the right place and the right time for the player to be successful.
Yeah. Just like Leao has proven that he has the talent but not the will to make it. Personality of a rapper instead of a baller. Such a shame. Such a waste. Reminds me of a certain Mario howse surname starts with B.
howse=whose
Please sell Leao and bring Zirkszee to Milan.