A headline member of the attacking ranks at Barcelona took full use of the opportunity to send a message to the club’s board on Monday evening.
As much came by way of his display during Barca’s latest outing.
Xavi’s troops are fresh off sealing a return to winning ways, at the expense of Real Sociedad.
After welcoming La Real to Catalunya’s capital for the final fixture of the La Liga gameweek, the Blaugrana ultimately emerged on the right side of a 2-0 result.
Lamine Yamal opened the scoring on the night, before Raphinha at last put the visitors to bed deep into injury-time, from the penalty spot.
The former has since been handed the Man of the Match award, following his latest starring display in Barca’s colours.
It was attacking partner-in-crime Raphinha, however, whose performance should really be taken note of.
The Brazilian has seen his name continue to dominate the headlines in Catalunya over the course of the last week, amid mounting claims that he has been earmarked as a leading candidate to be shipped off in the summer by the Camp Nou brass.
But on Monday, once again, the former Leeds United standout provided Deco and co. with a timely reminder of why as much could yet prove to be a major mistake.
Raphinha has saved the best for last when it comes to his form this season, his latest strike against Sociedad having taken his tally to 11 goal contributions in the winger’s last 13 appearances.
His exploits this evening proved so much more than just his goal, though, with Raphinha, time and time again, having looked a source of creativity and cutting edge in the final third.
The 27-year-old rattled the post during the first-half, and acted as a thorn in the side of the visiting Sociedad throughout the 90 minutes.
Eager to stay put at the Camp Nou for next season, Raphinha, on Monday, used his feet to send a crystal clear message to the Barcelona hierarchy, regarding exactly why as much should be taken into serious consideration.
Conor Laird | GSFN
