Brazilian winger Raphinha has been the subject of much debate in Barcelona since his arrival from Leeds United for a feee of €58m. While in recent months it looked as if he was proving his worth, but against Real Madrid he was exposed again.
Raphinha started off the season alternating on the wing with Ousmane Dembele, before eventually losing his place with wasteful performances. Following the injury to Dembele in late January, Raphinha scored a series of important goals, and has made to 9 assists and 9 goals in 39 appearances so far.
Against Real Madrid though, there was a reminder that he is not Dembele, as he was shut down entirely by Eduardo Camavinga, who put up his own impressive statistics.
Albert Blaya Sensat writes in Relevo that Raphinha does not have the change of pace that the Frenchman does, and that his ability to beat players is nowhere near the same.
He goes on to say that Xavi Hernandez’s plan for him did not aid matters, by asking him to beat Camavinga, rather than run in behind him. It should also be pointed out that Ferran Torres was equally unsuccessful against Camavinga.
The point is made that part of Raphinha’s problem on the whole is that he has never based his game chiefly on beating players, but rather on making quick darting runs, curling crosses and rifled shots. Thus it is impossible for him to live up to expectations.
Equally the question will be asked whether he is meeting Barcelona’s expectations though too. Regardless of stylistic fit, the Blaugrana cannot afford to be spending that amount on someone who is a rotational option, nor on someone who is ineffective against Real Madrid. As the board cast around for assets to sell the Brazilian is likely to be one of those considered.
Eddy509
643
who else saw Eder militao had Lewandowski in his packet. nobody mention Militao's game
Benxavi10
625
Apart from his nationality, which made his stock rise..I bet all day Kudus Mohammed from Ghana is a better footballer than Raphinha and Anthony.
jesalam14
548
Real Madrid means dream come true for a footballer. it is the place where you can write your name in the history book even without playing. example Mariano, Hazard, Valejo and here comes a 20 years old player who won everything at the club level (except copa del rey) which he's to play in the final. life in Madrid is a gift by god for every footballer. I pity mbappe so much that he missed the chance to start realising a dream.
Emperorhaywhy
487
They should let raphinha rest for God sake, nobody is talking about the waste of space of a player Ferran Torres is and Fati that’s tipped to be the next Messi couldn’t even live up to expectations…. Not a Barca fan but @ least raphinha is trying is best FGS
AYcj
443
camarvinga can expose any player, I can recall the world Cup final against Argentina he worked well on Leonel Messi but all was forgotten because they didn't reach the glory
valverde7
307
This is correct… Raphinha is nowhere as good as Dembele… and statistically Lewandowski scores many goals when Dembele is playing simply because he creates a lot more opportunities for him… Lewandowski is easier to lock down if the wingers can’t beat their matchup…
Hoeablmnpz
276
Raphinha lacks the dribbling skills and speed needed in a right winger. He's known for his shots, however, the teams that play against barcelona tend to keep all their players behind leaving no gaps to shoot through. They need to sell him to Arsenal, Sell Ferran Torres and Fati to the interested clubs and bring quality players that are known for dribbling skills and speed.
Toxin-Dc
244
Man it would be funny if Gavi or Raphina ran and fouled players like pepe or Ramos
Akekala
140
You shall not pass!
DUMUYAH
138
this is what we call pocketing someone but not to be playing foul on the person ur so call baise fan say he's in ur pocket
M¹N²
95
Not only Raphinha but we bury them all....no time to keep them after killing them