Barcelona's recent Super Cup victory over Real Madrid has sparked a renewed sense of optimism among the club's faithful, and one player who has been at the forefront of this resurgence is Raphinha. The Brazilian winger has been hailed as a "hero" and a "game-changer" by the Spanish press, and his two goals in the final have cemented his status as a key player for the Catalan giants.
However, Raphinha's journey to becoming a vital cog in Barcelona's machine has not been without its challenges. When he first arrived at the club from Leeds United in July 2022, he struggled to find consistency, and his play was often marred by uncertainty. Self-doubt and criticism from the media and fans took a toll on his confidence, and he was frequently rotated in and out of the starting lineup. In fact, during his first two seasons, Raphinha made 11 substitute appearances and started just 42 of a possible 76 matches.
Raphinha's own words paint a picture of a player who was on the verge of giving up: "There was a lot of self-doubt... I have a nasty habit of criticising myself heavily, so that pressure made me think about leaving."
But the arrival of Hansi Flick as manager in May 2024 marked a turning point in Raphinha's career. The German coach's belief in the player has been instrumental in unlocking his potential, and Raphinha has been quick to acknowledge the impact Flick has had on his game. If Flick hadn't come, I would have left Barca, he admitted, highlighting the significance of the coach's influence.
The numbers bear out Raphinha's assertion. Under Xavi, he made 87 appearances, scoring 20 goals and providing 23 assists. In contrast, under Flick, he has played 74 matches, scoring 45 goals and registering 26 assists. This dramatic increase in productivity is a testament to the coach's ability to get the best out of his players.
Raphinha's improvement is not just about the numbers, however. He has developed a deeper understanding of the game, and his tactical role has expanded significantly. He is no longer just a pacey winger, but a player who can create chances for his teammates and score important goals. As Barcelona fan Carlos notes: "He constantly breaks away to create attacking options, he's generous with his passing, and most importantly, his accuracy has improved massively over the years."
Flick has also been impressed by Raphinha's mentality, describing it as "unbelievable". The coach believes that Raphinha's intensity and confidence have a profound impact on the team, and that he is a player who can inspire his teammates to raise their game.
As Raphinha continues to thrive under Flick's guidance, it is clear that he has finally found his place at Barcelona. The player who was once on the verge of leaving the club has become an integral part of the team, and his contributions will be crucial to the club's success in the seasons to come.
As Flick himself noted, "Rapha on the pitch is a lot of intensity, and we need this." With Raphinha leading the charge, Barcelona fans can look forward to an exciting future, filled with thrilling matches and, hopefully, plenty of silverware.
Original: BBC Sport
Image: BBC Sport
Written by Npsports
