After the departure of Ousmane Dembele during the summer, it was anticipated that Raphinha would assume a prominent role in Barcelona’s offensive line, facing minimal competition on the right wing.
During the final days of the transfer window, Ansu Fati and Ez Abde also departed from the club, thereby creating additional opportunities for the Brazilian player. It is noteworthy that the club secured the services of Joao Felix on loan from Atletico Madrid on the deadline day, further influencing the available options.
Nevertheless, his initial performance in the season was less than satisfactory, as he received a red card in the first half of the match against Getafe on the inaugural day.
Xavi made the decision to deploy Lamine Yamal on the right wing in subsequent matches, persisting with this choice even after Raphinha’s comeback.
Currently, the individual who is 26 years old has only made a single start in the ongoing La Liga season. However, SPORT reports indicate that it is anticipated that he will be reinstated into the starting lineup for the upcoming match against Mallorca.
Raphinha is anticipated to encounter a formidable challenge in securing a position in Barcelona’s starting lineup for the upcoming season, as all forwards have demonstrated exceptional form and are actively vying for a spot.
Ferran Torres has emerged as a highly proficient player for the club during the current season, having scored three goals in five league matches.
Joao Felix has demonstrated exceptional adaptability, showcasing his prowess by netting three goals and providing two assists in his initial four appearances spanning both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
It is worth mentioning the notable performance of Lamine Yamal, a 16-year-old player who has demonstrated exceptional skills and maturity on the field, particularly in his role as a winger.
The influence of Raphina
Although Raphinha’s playing time has been limited, his on-field contributions have been significant.
He made his appearance during the latter half of the match against Real Betis, playing for approximately 30 minutes, and promptly scored a goal with one of his initial interactions with the ball.
Subsequently, a commendable display ensued in the Champions League encounter against Royal Antwerp, wherein the individual in question facilitated an own goal through a well-executed cross, and subsequently provided an assist to Joao Felix for the team’s fifth goal.
Raphinha did not contribute to the scoresheet in the recent match against Celta Vigo, despite being substituted into the game. However, when positioned in a central role, he demonstrated the ability to effectively penetrate the opposing team’s defensive line by delivering accurate crosses. Notably, Raphinha orchestrated a superb setup for Joao Cancelo, who then assisted Robert Lewandowski in scoring the equalizing goal.
There is minimal uncertainty regarding his potential significance for Barcelona as the season progresses, and his performance against Mallorca on Tuesday could solidify his status as one of the starting players.
