11 - Raphinha

[Messigician]

Joan Fontes on Raphinha alleged unhappiness with Xavi:

- In negotiations to sign him, he was promised he would play on the right.

- He doesn't like being told to play so close to the touchline.

- Xavi confuses him.

Xavi confuses everyone tbf

 

[vuji_31]

Well we don't have right back, so he can't get support.

 

[delancey]

Him underperforming has nothing to do with his quality but everything to do with Xavi and his tactics (or lack thereof).

 

[Andresito]

Barcelona are confused by Raphinha. The Brazilian is spectacular in training with his data being top notch, but in games it's often not seen. However, the confidence in him is total. #Bar?a know he will eventually exploit his full potential. [as]

Xavi and his assistants

 

[JamDav1982]

I doubt they play many 11 a side games in training where he is asked to play as a lone RW on the touchline...

Dont need Spanish press to say how unhappy he is playing RW in this system... some of us have been saying for months that he is not that player.

I swear the Spanish press with this and Xavis back room staff are only just starting to catch up with what some of us have been saying for long enough.

Too many players signed that they dont understand how to get best from and asked to play in ways never did at previous club.

To the point Raphinha would probably suit one of Xavis AM positions more than he does that RW in this set up.

 

[Messigician]

Ah yes the classic everyone is stupid except the armchair fans argument

Worked well for United

 

[JamDav1982]

Ah yes the classic everyone is stupid except the armchair fans argument

Worked well for United

Makes zero sense that one.

Think a bit before next post.

Some 'arm chair fans' get it... others dont.

 

[Birdy]

Joan Fontes on Raphinha alleged unhappiness with Xavi:

- In negotiations to sign him, he was promised he would play on the right.

- He doesn't like being told to play so close to the touchline.

- Xavi confuses him.

Source please

 

[Andresito]

He really needs to be able to shield the ball better. He loses it so easily. At least put your leg in the way so you get tripped if can't keep it.

 

[FinBarcelonafan]

Good game. Nice passes.

 

[Birdy]

1st game in a Barca shirt where he looks confortable.

Clear that he likes coming up centrally and assisting/pre-assisting runners on the flanks.

Problem is there is no such position available in Xavi's system.
I don't see Xavi changing the formation where LB and RW holding the width into something like having an RAM and RB holding the width.
Requires many changes in all other positions

 

[iniestaGOAT]

He just needs to be played regularly

Bumbele needs permanent bench

 

[M3ls]

 

[Birdy]

Great analysis on how Raphinia can be used correctly.

Dispels also beautifully commonsensical views such as that the problem in Barca is that Xavi has his wingers on the touchline

 

[Zidane82]

Some of his passes and assists are remarkable