Speaking to the LUFC Fanzone Podcast, Barcelona legend Deco has likened Leeds United star Raphinha to Angel Di Maria.
Interestingly, Deco is also Raphinha’s agent, and he was appearing on this podcast to talk about his client.
Deco was asked which of his former teammates was most similar to Di Maria, and while he never played with the Argentine, he claims that he’s the player most similar to the Leeds star.
“My opinion is Raphinha, I never played with him, but I played against him a number of times, against Di Maria, not with him,” Deco said
“For me he is the player I always liken him to. Raphinha has the same style in my opinion, a few more goals than Di Maria, but I like Di Maria, that’s why Raphinha in my opinion is the same style. Left footed, one against one and these types of players I always enjoy.”
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Raphinha has been compared to Di Maria.
Indeed, Tony Cascarino and Patrick Bamford have also made the same comparison, so there’s definitely something to it.
Di Maria is of course one of the most successful footballers of the past decade, winning numerous league titles as well as a Champions League at Real Madrid, so if Raphinha goes on to be half as successful as the Argentine, Leeds will have a real gem on their hands.
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