Raphinha weaknesses exposed by Camavinga as pressure on Brazilian rises again

  /  autty

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.

Related: Real Madrid Barcelona Eduardo Dembele Camavinga
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