Clinton Morrison believes Leeds United would be in serious danger without their player of the season so far, Raphinha, while speaking on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday (20/11, 13:19).
The Elland Road outfit have somewhat turned a tide with their form since claiming a first win of the campaign. But still remain on the cusp of the Premier League relegation zone.
Leeds will travel to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday on the back of two wins in their last five games. Marcelo Bielsa had failed to oversee a win in the Whites’ first six matches this term.
Raphinha has often been the inspirational force behind Leeds’ results, with five goals in 11 appearances so far. The 24-year-old is already just one goal shy of his 2020/21 haul in 20 fewer appearances. But is yet to provide an assist, after creating nine across last season.
Morrison full of praise for Leeds dynamo Raphinha
Raphinha’s efforts at Elland Road since his £17m transfer from Stade Rennes last year have also caught Brazil’s eye. Tite named the winger in a Selecao squad for the first time last month. And he already has two goals and two assists in five-caps, starting three games.
Morrison is in awe of what Raphinha has been producing for Leeds so far this season. And the former Ireland forward still believes he can find an even high level in his game yet.
“For me, he’s been their best player this season,” Morrison said. “He is one of their best players, even when everyone is fit. He’s a player who can go easily to the next level.
“It’s not a coincidence that every week he’s producing the goods, [and] he’s now a Brazilian international. His feet are a joke, he can play in these tight areas. He’s brilliant, he’s got end product and he picks the timing of the pass.
“He is the danger man at this precise moment. They do miss Patrick Bamford, I think Bamford loves playing with the likes of Raphinha, who will create chances.
“But he’s been outstanding. If Leeds didn’t have him this season, at times, they would definitely be struggling at the bottom. He’s another one who can definitely go to that next level.”
Raphinha has scored five of Leeds’ 11 goals in the Premier League so far this season. Only Rodrigo also has scored more than once with two, but scored one of his goals from the penalty spot.
Three of Raphinha’s, meanwhile, have come from open play, while scoring twice from set-pieces. Most recently finding the bottom corner of Kasper Schmeichel’s net, after his free-kick evaded everyone in the Leicester City box.
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