Transferred to FC Barcelona for 58 million euros last summer, Raphinha is not yet at a satisfactory level with the Blaugranas. In matches, his influence on the collective game and his individual performances are below expectations and push him towards the bench.
Very spendthrift during the last summer transfer window, FC Barcelona is on edge. So much money spent must result in quick successes. The balance sheet is negative in the field for the moment. Despite a team overhauled by the arrivals of Lewandowski, Kessié or Raphinha, the Catalans were eliminated in the Champions League groups. In La Liga, they lost the Clasico and remain away from Real Madrid. Facts that do not encourage patience with recruits, Raphinha is the most glaring example.
Raphinha: boss in training, ghost in match
The Brazilian, transferred from Leeds against 58 million euros this summer, does not satisfy the staff of Xavi. His record is starving: one goal and two assists in La Liga, two assists in C1 against Viktoria Plzen. His only achievement was recorded on September 3, on the lawn of Seville. The AS newspaper specifies that the state of form of the winger worries considerably at Barça. Above all, it is completely incomprehensible in view of what he shows during training sessions.
Xavi and his staff believe that playing with Dembélé and Raphinha at the same time makes it difficult to control games, as they lose a lot of possession.
— @fansjavimiguel pic.twitter.com/YxBqjky07T
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) November 1, 2022
As soon as he arrived, he impressed with his physical and technical abilities, confirming during the preparation matches. But, for several weeks, Raphinha has made a mark and is struggling to influence the meetings. He can’t find his place on the pitch and loses confidence, as evidenced by his huge miss in front of the empty goal against Valencia on Saturday evening. As a result, for three games, the Brazilian has been confined to substitute status with the Blaugranas. According to AS, the staff believe that Barca are gaining control in the middle without him. It is a famous dilemma that occupies the Catalan club while Raphinha maintains a satisfactory level in training and that the leaders have great confidence in this player of the future.
