Raphinha: Four Reasons Barcelona Must Keep the Brazilian Attacker

Barcelona considering selling Raphina just a year after the Brazilian arrived the Camp Nou from Leeds United.

The La Liga champion’s precarious financial situation has led to the Catalans thinking to offload players they have deemed surplus to requirement.

According to Fichajes, departures are required to maintain a healthy wage bill as well as to meet specific transfer market criteria and one key player who could be exiting the Camp Nou is Raphinha.

Raphinha is apparently attracting a lot of attention from potential suitors Although his departure would secure finances, with the club sure to make a profit in excess of €70 million, the Brazilian’s departure could be disastrous for Barcelona on a sporting term.

The technicalities of the Brazilian coupled with his decisiveness will be key for any team with ambition to win titles. Sports Brief highlights four reasons why Barcelona should avoid selling Raphinha.

Creative ability

Raphinha’s creative talent appears one of his unique abilities. The Brazilian forward possess the qualities to split defences with line-breaking passes.

The former Leeds United attacker according to Whoscored generated the second-most big chances 16 in La Liga this season, after only Antoine Griezmann's 21.

Raphinha is an important asset for a team that lacks natural creators capable of penetrating low blocks.

Off-the-ball qualities

The Brazilian also possess the ability to move retrospectively off the ball. This ability which many forward lacks has over again come in handy for the Barcelona forward.

Despite making his name as a top-level playmaker, there are some distinctions in the Brazilian’s off-ball actions that make him extremely difficult to defend against.

In the just concluded La Liga season, the Brazilian scored the game-winning goal against Osasuna by making a bent run and sprinting at full speed before attacking the open goal.

Work rate

The work rate possessed by the Brazilian was evident during his stint with Leeds United under coach Marcelo Bielsa. Raphinha’s ability and willingness to labour for the team, putting himself on the line, remains one of his unique attributes.

The attacker does not shy away from defensive commitments which is now a significant part of modern-day football.

Eye for goal

Through last season across all competition, Raphinha found the net 10 times, in what is dubbed a season of adaptation for the Brazilian.

Raphinha who has a knack for scoring when the stakes are high, has contributed to countless victories, including a late victory against Valencia and a header against Osasuna.

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Football

Irrespective of Barcelona’s struggle in the Champions League, the Brazilian was essential in the Europa League knockout stage against Manchester United. Raphinha had the team’s second-highest G/A in his rookie season, with 10 goals and 12 assists.

Raphinha’s retention will almost certainly lead to success in the future season, and selling him now would be a risky move.

Barcelona tired of Raphinha’s attitude

Sports Brief previously reported Raphinha already got on the nerves of his employers with his attitude despite only joining the Catalan club last summer.

The Brazilian forward was said to have reacted angrily after he was substituted in the 87th minute by Xavi, during the goalless draw against Getafe as the Catalans failed to win in their third consecutive game.

According to Barca Universal, Raphinha’s behaviour is said to be not going down too well with the Barcelona coaching staff as well as some of his teammates.