‘Absolutely nothing’ - The brutal Spanish media Raphinha verdict on former Leeds United star - YEP 1/11/22
The Spanish media have been talking about former Leeds United star Raphinha and how he has settled in at Barcelona.
By Harry Mail
Raphinha is struggling to make an impact at Barcelona
following his summer switch from Leeds United. The winger left to join the
Spanish giants in July on a bumper five-year contract but has since managed to
score just once in his first 15 appearances in all competitions.
According to AS, the player is impressing in training with
the La Liga outfit but hasn’t done much in actual games with the report
claiming he offers ‘absolutely nothing’. Barca do apparently expect him to come
good in the end though and hope ‘sooner or later’ that he can live up to his
potential.
Leeds swooped to sign him back in October 2020 on a
four-year deal and he went on to become a popular figure with the Yorkshire
outfit. He scored six goals in all competitions during his first year at the
club as he got to grips with life in England and in the Premier League.
The Brazil international then chipped in with 11 altogether
last term to help the Whites stay up. He scored the first goal from the penalty
spot on the final day of the last campaign which ultimately ended up playing a
huge role in the club’s survival in the top flight.
Prior to his move to Elland Road, he started out in Brazil
with Avai as a youngster before spells in Portugal at Vitória de Guimarães and
Sporting Lisbon before Rennes snapped him up in 2019. He subsequently became a
standout performer in Ligue 1 before a move to Leeds came about.
Jesse Marsch’s side were disappointed to lose him over the
summer but a switch to Barcelona was something that they couldn’t turn down.
His exit freed up funds for incoming additions in the last transfer window,
including the likes of Tyler Adams, Brenden Aaronson and Willy Gnonto.
Raphina scored his first goal for Barcelona on 3rd September
against Sevilla away and will have been hoping to kick on from there. However,
that is the only time he has found the net so far and he has since lost his
starting spot. He came off the bench in their 1-0 win at Valencia last time out
with Robert Lewandowski scoring the winner in stoppage time.
Xavi’s side have made a decent start to the season and are currently
2nd in the division after losing just once in their opening 12 outings. Real
Madrid sit top and are only a point ahead.
