Rafael Leao branded ‘too clever for his own good’ as the AC Milan star embarrassingly trips himself up attempting a backheeled finish against Newcastle

• Rafael Leao weaved through several challenges before missing with a backheel 
• The missed chance proved crucial as AC Milan were held to a goalless draw 
• Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast ‘It’s All Kicking Off’ 

Pundits have claimed Rafael Leao was ‘too clever for his own good’ after the AC Milan star spurned the chance to give the Italian giants a first half lead against Newcastle.

Leao had produced a stunning run into the Newcastle box in the 33rd minute of their Champions League group stage match.

The Portuguese forward weaved past three challenges in the box, before attempting a back heel towards goal.

Leao failed to make a telling connection and instead tripped over in front of goal.

His team-mates were unable to fashion another opportunity from the break, with the score remaining goalless.

Rafael Leao passed up a golden opportunity to give AC Milan the lead against Newcastle

Leao  weaved through a series of Newcastle challenges before fluffing an audacious backheel

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TNT Sports commentator Adam Summerton claimed Leao had been ‘too clever for his own good’, with Glenn Hoddle agreeing with his assessment.

‘You are spot on. I mean what a bit of skill on the halfway line with the lay-off, he then gets on his bike and does some fantastic skill,’ said Hoddle.

‘But why has he not shot? He has tried to complicate things, he has got to release the shot.

‘I don’t know what he tries, a backheel of some sort.

‘The rest of his team-mates are exasperated as it was wonderful play up to a point, but he then chose the wrong skill.’

Former Scotland winger Pat Nevin, speaking on BBC Radio 5Live, claimed Leao’s attempt was ‘outrageous’. 

‘It was incredible there,’ Nevin said.

‘I can tell you one reason why they didn’t score there: that man Rafael Leao tried to be just too clever.

Leao’s missed chance proved key as AC Milan were held to a goalless draw by Newcastle

‘He tried an outrageous backheel and it wasn’t on. Just kick the ball in the back of the net.’

Leao has been viewed as Milan’s biggest star, with TNT Sports pundit Joe Cole stating that the 24-year-old had the Newcastle defence in ‘disarray’ before his missed chance.

‘Leao is the dangerman, he is so powerful,’ Cole said.

‘You see him here sitting down the Newcastle defence, cutting inside. Newcastle were in disarray. 

‘I don’t know what he was attempting there but he was such a threat.’

Leao’s missed chance proved crucial on the night as AC Milan were held to a goalless draw by Newcastle.

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