Raphinha, the Brazilian player whom Barca urgently put up for sale last summer, has become indispensable both on and off the field at the club.
Raphinha had a challenging summer at Barca. Continuous reports about the club’s interest in signing Nico Williams and subsequent leaks from Barca indicating he was the first to be sold due to being unsuited both technically and in terms of image had spread widely.
However, Raphinha remained steadfast. He defended his contract, valid until 2027, and did not want to leave the club. He was determined not to comply meekly with the orders to leave. Raphinha was confident he could convince new coach Hansi Flick, and he has succeeded in doing so.
The former Leeds player is having a historic start to the La Liga season, becoming an irreplaceable part of Flick’s squad. He has also become a strong presence both on the field and in the dressing room, being included in the list of team captains.
The 27-year-old forward scored his first career hat-trick against Valladolid. He is the second player in La Liga with the most on-target shots (7) and has 2 assists in the first 4 league matches, playing all 360 minutes possible.
Hansi Flick wants Raphinha in his lineup, no matter the position. He is no longer a player who only plays 50 or 60 minutes and is constantly at risk of being substituted as he was under Xavi. Now, Raphinha is crucial to Flick’s style of play: moving freely, playing confidently, and being versatile in all positions the coach requires.
“This season is very important, so I’ve tried to give my all. I’m not sure if Valladolid was my best game, but it’s up there. I’m overjoyed to have scored my first career hat-trick and to have helped my teammates effectively. Barca doesn’t need to buy anyone else,” he said after the match. This last statement might be a direct “punch” to those advocating for signing Nico Williams.
“Raphinha can play any attacking position. He started playing in the number 10 role this season and is very good at pressing,” Flick said. “I think it took Raphinha too long to score a hat-trick because he has good qualities. He’s a very versatile player who suits my needs.”
Flick has used Raphinha as an attacking midfielder in two matches against Valencia and Rayo Vallecano, as a right midfielder in the win against Athletic Bilbao, and as a left winger against Valladolid. The coach is very pleased with his performances in all these matches and continues to use him.
Raphinha has accepted that he must adapt to the team’s needs and adhere to the coach’s message: the collective always comes before the individual, and he has not complained. This adaptation is helping him experience one of the best moments in his career.
This season, Raphinha is striving to surpass his personal best record of 10 goals and 13 assists in a season. Barca is the club where Raphinha has scored and assisted the most: 23 goals and 27 assists in 91 matches.
Additionally, Raphinha has become one of the most influential voices in the dressing room due to his experience, personality, and ability to create unity and a good atmosphere. In fact, he is one of Barca’s team captains.
The selection of leaders, including Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Ronald Araujo, Frenkie de Jong, Raphinha, and Pedri, was made by the Barca players themselves. Raphinha maintains a great relationship with Lamine Yamal, even though he has to compete for the position and sometimes give way to the young star on the right wing.
