Raphinha recently scored the first hat-trick of his professional career, sending a powerful message and right after the contest, still out of breath, he said, “There’s no need for new signings to arrive.”
This statement came after a summer full of rumours about potential new players like Nico Williams, Luis Diaz, and Rafael Leao, making it clear that Raphinha was tired of the speculation.
Raphinha is a true fighter. He has spent the last few months rejecting transfer offers, determined to prove his worth to Barcelona.
He wanted to show that he could be the winger the club was searching for, even though he had lost some of the status that brought him to the club two years ago.
Confident in his abilities, The Brazilian adapted to playing in an attacking midfield role and then as a left-winger. His recent performance, with three goals and two assists, shows a turnaround for a player who has often faced more criticism than praise.
Many had been quick to remind him of his €70 million price tag, but now he is proving his value on the field.
Raphinha adds more than value
Raphinha’s commitment to the team is evident. He joined Barcelona’s tour in the USA without taking a long break after the Copa America, showing his dedication.
He put on his boots, earned the trust of Hansi Flick, and waited for his moment to shine. Now, in his third season with the club, he has achieved his first hat-trick, which he was eagerly chasing in the first three games of the season.
Raphinha seems to have a great understanding with the younger players in the team. When the Valladolid defence was pressing high, Barcelona cleared the midfield with a clever pass back.
Pau Cubarsi then saw him making a diagonal run and sent a long pass to him. Raphinha controlled the ball with his chest and skillfully placed it past the goalkeeper.
His third goal came from a brilliant assist by Lamine Yamal, demonstrating their strong on-field chemistry. His passionate goal celebrations showed just how much these moments meant to him.
Flick encourages Raphinha
Raphinha thrives in a fast-paced game. In slower, more controlled situations, he seems less effective.
Flick noticed that the Brazilian performs best in a more dynamic and vertical game style, where he can use his speed to attack open spaces. He is far more dangerous when he is moving at speed rather than standing still.
The new style Barcelona are aiming for involves playing at a faster pace, which suits Raphinha perfectly.
Flick has been encouraging him to make runs into the box from a ‘number 10’ position, and this approach paid off against Valladolid, with two of his three goals coming from such plays.
It goes without saying that the manager values Raphinha not just for his attacking skills but also for his work rate. The forward has played every minute so far, pressing tirelessly, which is crucial for Flick’s strategy to regain top form for Barcelona.
The German coach sees a lot of potential in Raphinha, wearing the number 11 jersey, and even joked that his first hat-trick took longer than expected. Flick’s comments show that he expects even more from Raphinha because he knows the player is capable of delivering.
In conclusion, Raphinha is proving to be a vital player for Barcelona, stepping up just when the club needed him most. His recent performances suggest that he is ready to take on a bigger role and help lead Barcelona to success.
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