This was a dangerous play where we very easily could’ve gotten scored on. Raphinha pressuring and intercepting where he did at that point in the game when he’s been doing it all game / should be worn out, was amazing. The meg followed by winning the foul was icing on the cake.
Flick’s position for him is perfect defensively as well bc he could pose more of an influence pressuring/recovering the ball in the middle of the field instead of on sideline where he’s less surrounded by teammates for loose balls (that would go out of bounds for throw in, slowing down rhythm of play). Definitely way more influential in the regard. We need muscle and lungs in the midfield and up front, glad we have Raphinha, especially with our injury prone players. I can even see him playing striker for us if things get tough with injuries. Reminds me a lot of the type of player Thomas Muller was for Bayern throughout his career (even the part where he was better playing more central as opposed to on the sideline)
Looking forward to Raphinha’s continuous improvement.
by naitsebs
7 comments
MILR
Heavily underrated because he doesn’t fit the stereotypical Brazilian winger profile. His work ethic is so impressive and his runs are always so important for our team. He will be even more important for Flick’s system and if he can improve his through passing, I think he can compete for the attacking midfielder role with Olmo and Fermin.
Regardless of his performances you know this man is gonna leave his heart and lungs out on the field for the team no matter what minute of the game or what circumstances.
Players like him are rarer to find than the leaos and the haalands and he has deserved every bit to stay in the team for a long time
That’s why we didn’t need Olmo and Gundogan’s exit is good for us.
We really have tons of quality in that position Raphinha may even grab it as his permanent one or compete it with Olmo though for me Raphinha is the better player. Olmo will go to the bench or be used as a left winger, though I’m not sure if in the left he is any improvement over Ferran or even Fermin there.
Dive
Raphinha proved the fanboys he is suited for Barca. underrated talent.
He just needs to be working on the passing, bro at 11 out of 20 now… get that up to 15 atleast and we cooking!