One headline member of the attacking ranks at La Liga giants Barcelona on Saturday carried forth what has proven nothing short of a remarkable start to the campaign.
The player in question? Raphinha.
Wide-man Raphinha was afforded his latest start this evening, as Barcelona welcomed Real Valladolid to Catalunya’s capital for a La Liga clash.
And, when all was said and done in a dominant outing for the Blaugrana, the Brazilian proved himself the star of the show.
After a stellar opening to the campaign from a creative standpoint, Raphinha, against Valladolid, turned his hand to goalscoring.
En route to an eventual 7-0 Barca triumph, the former Leeds United man netted a wonderful hat-trick.
Raphinha showcased all of his individual brilliance on his way to as much, through touch, agility, awareness, and ruthless finishing.
And, if the early evidence is anything to go by, this is just the beginning for the 27-year-old in the Hansi Flick era…
Raphinha looks a player reborn over the early weeks of the new campaign, finally fulfilling his unquestionable potential in Barcelona colours.
And the credit for as much must go not only to the winger himself, but new boss Flick, too.
Conor Laird | GSFN
