A leading member of the attacking ranks at La Liga leaders Barcelona has on Friday been rewarded or his excellence over the early weeks of the campaign.
The player in question? Raphinha.
Wide-man Raphinha has of course looked a player reborn across the season to date, seemingly rejuvenated by the all-action style being made use of by manager Hansi Flick.
All told, across seven La Liga appearances to date, the 27-year-old has racked up seven goal contributions, by way of five goals and two assists.
Production in front of goal aside, though, Raphinha’s all-round game has also been of the highest standard, enough to see the former Leeds United man afforded a fresh call-up at international level.
After missing out on a place in Dorival Júnior’s last Brazil squad, the explosive winger, this time round, has been included.
Raphinha joins the likes of Gabriel Martinelli, Endrick and Vinícius Jr. in a star-studded crop of attacking talent, for the Seleção’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Peru.
Conor Laird – GSFN
