Raphinha’s influence on the current Barcelona squad is no longer a matter of debate.
While the team did well during his early-season absence, his return to the starting lineup has clearly changed the team’s rhythm, balance and intensity.
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The Brazilian winger has found elements that were quietly missing, especially in terms of pressing, transition and collective effort without the ball.
Barcelona continued to win in the weeks that Raphinha was sidelined with injury, but the acuity of their frontline pressing was noticeably diminished.
Certain offensive moves looked slower, and the overall aggressiveness that defined last season’s best performances was reduced.
So the structure is still there, but the edges are not.
changed a lot
The contrast has been stark since his return, with Barcelona’s results telling part of the story, with eight wins and just one defeat since his return to the side.
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Even more tellingly, when Raphinha starts, the record is perfect – five wins from five games, with the forward scoring four goals and assisting once.
Rafinija played a decisive role against Villarreal. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Now, it would be unfair to criticize Rashford, who has performed well in Raphinha’s absence.
However, the Brazilians offer something different. Defensively, he was more intense. Tactically, he is more disciplined. Emotionally, he brings an edge that elevates the collective effort.
Strong performance against Villarreal
The recent game against Villarreal was a perfect example of this. Raphinha uses one piece of gear more than anyone else.
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He is aggressive in transition between offense and defense, relentless in confrontations, and constantly pushes the team forward. He pressed, chased, chased, and treated every battle as if it was his last.
His influence was decisive in the first goal and from that moment on he never stopped.
This version of Raphinha is one of the main reasons why the mood around Barcelona has shifted so quickly.
In just one month, the show feels more complete and the team seems more connected.