( dpa )- Brazilian football legend Pele sought to temper expectations surrounding the nation's young phenom Alexander Pato , who made his Milan debut over the weekend and scored a goal in the 5-2 Serie A victory over Empoli .
"I think they have put too great a responsibility on Pato , mainly because he scored a goal," Pele said Wednesday in an interview with the radio station Jovem Pan.
"He is an above average player, but one should still be a little patient, because he is a footballer who is just starting out and he will soon face a man-to-man defence which will make his job harder," the football legend said.
Pato , 18, rose through Internacional Porto Alegre's junior ranks and plays for Brazil's Under-20 national team. He has only played 30 games as a professional to date.
Milan signed him for 20 million dollars in 2007 when the Italian transfer window re-opened after Pato turned 18 in September, but he has only just been allowed to make his official debut.