11 - Raphinha

[Horatio]

His improvement has everything to do with the system. The good stuff he is doing currently is not something he failed at under Xavi, it's something he wasn't instructed to do at all, something he couldn't do when having to stay out wide.

He is still not great at creating with the ball at his feet against a stable defense but he's barely doing that under Flick. Under Xavi generally he got the ball too early in the moves for him to utilize his abilities.

Now he's on the move. In and out of spaces all across the attack, running deep, pressing like a mad man. Getting on the ball when the game is moving, at points when defenses are unsettled, when there is spaces and opportunities.

Yes few have said the same. Do think his finishing is more solid, but could be he gets to goal with less defenders in front.

 

[Porque]

Thank you Montjuic for having the running track and allowing Raphi to celebrate his hat trick like a boss.

Unsung hero of the night, that space behind the goal.

 

[Joan]

Impressive. Gotta give it to Xavi, also figured what’s best for Raphinha but Flick’s adapted the surrounding too.

 

[MontenegrinCuler]

Who would've thought Nico rejecting us would turn out to be one of the best things to happen to this club in a long time.

You can't buy this version of Raphinha at any player currently available.

In a perfect world he would be the 1st captain permanently. Simply made for that role. More than any other player in the team especially Frenkie who is somehow ahead of him on the list, needless to say Terrorist is a shit captain too.

 

[CatalinR10]

In a perfect world he would be the 1st captain permanently.

Just take the armband from Lassie and give it to him.

 

[Sensei]

Credit to Flick for creating a system that plays to his strengths and unlocking the dog in him. He has that Masche/Puyol warrior mentality that has been sorely missing in Barca for a very long time. I had my doubts and I’ll eat crow for not believing in him. Still long ways to go this season but anything is possible. What a feeling 🤩

 

[TheStig]

Flick said he never had such player.

Nobody did. Can't even compare his style with any other player that played on the level he is playing, nobody comes to mind. Heard Di Maria comparison but I don't see it. Di Maria was more of a dribbler and he didn't have the workrate. Maybe like Pedro on steroids.

 

[Fati_Future_BallonDor]

According to reports, Manchester United have made an ‘offer’ for FC Barcelona forward Raphinha as Xavi eyes a reunion with the Brazil international.

 

[jamrock]

Xavi knew he was class before 99% of people here, so he may want a reunion.

Obviously BS though.

 

[Joan]

He’s in his best form ever, playing in a system that suits him like a glove. Why would he want to work with a coach still learning the ropes of the job? He’s not retarded.

 

[jamrock]

I meant Xavi may want the reunion just to be clear lol.

Rap ain't going nowhere he loves the Barcelona life

 

[Nucky]

And to think the club wanted to sell him and sign Nico Williams.. Barca being broke is sometimes a blessing from above..

 

[serghei]

View attachment 11232

Impressive. Gotta give it to Xavi, also figured what’s best for Raphinha but Flick’s adapted the surrounding too.

Xavi fecked up by subbing him too often and not allowing him to set in and build up his form. In time he got his position spot on.

I still do not understand what was the point of subbing early one of your statistically most high-output players when he could play at the same intensity for 90 mins straight.

At least at the end he realized.

 

[SmilerBam]

Gotta say, he is beginning to prove me wrong. While i still don't rate his talent( i m old enough to have watched brazilians like Rivaldo, Ronaldinho and Neymar playing for this club), his determination and clutchness could prove to be major assets in building another great Barca. Long may it continue.

 

[Joan]

Gotta say, he is beginning to prove me wrong. While i still don't rate his talent( i m old enough to have watched brazilians like Rivaldo, Ronaldinho and Neymar playing for this club), his determination and clutchness could prove to be major assets in building another great Barca. Long may it continue.

Why are you comparing him to all time greats when it comes to talent? At 28 years of age he’s not going there but among the most in form wingers in the world atm.