FC Barcelona have been in scintillating attacking form so far this season. Hansi Flick’s team has scored goals for fun and much of the credit for the same needs to be given to the incredible front three of Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal.
The 27-year-old Brazilian star is in his third season with Barcelona. His first couple of seasons were largely a mixed bag, with the performances on the pitch solid if not spectacular but Raphinha failed to win over the Blaugrana fanbase.
This season, however, Raphinha has arguably emerged as Barcelona’s best player under Hansi Flick, considering what he brings to the table and also has also established himself as one of the best attackers in Europe, at least on current form.
Raphinha is currently away on international duty with Brazil where he was given the #10 jersey for the first time. As per Mundo Deportivo, the 27-year-old has celebrated the prestigious jersey in style, scoring a sublime direct free-kick to give his side the lead.
Unfortunately for Brazil, it did not result in a victory over Venezuela Raphinha’s goal just before half-time was cancelled out just after it and Vinicius. Jr. missed a penalty later on meaning the game ended in a timid 1-1 draw.
Alongside Robert Lewandowski at club level, Raphinha continues to top all scoring charts and it looks like he has carried that form even for Brazil. However, the €60m-rated 27-year-old’s goal was not sufficient to get a win for Selecao on the night.
Brazil’s next game during the international break is against Uruguay, who need no introduction. Under Marcelo Bielsa, they are a difficult team to beat and this might be a very tricky game for Raphinha & co. to negotiate in their qualification race.
Raphinha will be keen to cap off the international break with yet another starring performance against Uruguay and then return to club duty with Barcelona, where Hansi Flick’s team will be desperate to return to winning ways, after an unlikely loss against Real Sociedad just before the break. Let’s wait and see how it plays out.