Arne Slot's homework on Rafael Leao speaks volumes ahead of AC Milan game

Arne Slot said that it will require a team effort to keep Rafael Leao quiet during Liverpool's meeting with AC Milan in the Champions League.

Leao has emerged as one of the most dangerous wingers in world football over the last couple of years and has started the season in encouraging form, registering a goal and three assists in four appearances for the Rossoneri.

Trent Alexander-Arnold will have his work cut out trying to handle Leao at the San Siro and Slot believes he will need the help of his teammates.

"You asked me if he is special? A lot of talk about him and I think he is a top player but people always talk about the top players and not those underneath," Slot said during his press conference on Monday.

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"We have studied his quality and he is one who catches your eye. How to stop him at his best, we defend as a team to stop the quality of Rafa Leao. They have quality players and he is one of their top players in my opinion."

Asked about the wider threat of Milan and whether he is 'scared' of the Italian side's attacking threat, Slot added: "I don't know if the translation is correct, but the word 'scared' was used. I don't think any manager is scared to play the other team but we have a lot of respect for AC Milan. They have quality. We're not scared but we respect all their players.

"The first one that comes to mind is a Dutch player, Tijjani Reijnders. They have quality players and they've shown last Saturday, with a 4-0 win, that they're in good form. We respect Milan a lot."