Kalvin Phillips has told Leeds United’s YouTube channel that Raphinha has been “unbelievable” since he “came through the doors at Elland Road. He believes that criticism of the Brazilian star in recent months is misplaced.
Raphinha, 25, was arguably the best player on the pitch for Leeds as they secured a superb 2-1 away win over Brentford on the final day of the season. They needed to better Burnley’s result to survive, and they lost.
It is likely that the Brazil international will now leave Elland Road, after his two years at the club. Barcelona and Newcastle are among the clubs keen on Raphinha, after 29 goal involvements in 62 league matches.
Speaking after his boyhood club survived and secured a third successive Premier League season, Phillips raved about Raphinha. He branded him “unbelievable” and that any critics of him recently have been wrong.
“Raph’s been unbelievable ever since he has come through the door. He’s had a lot critics over the past few months, but his attitude and the way he has stuck at it and the way that he’s played today, he’s been unbelievable.”
Phillips: Raphinha ‘unbelievable’ for Leeds after Brentford win
There is talk of Raphinha’s attitude not in the right place, given he is now likely to go. His performance, and subsequent celebration at Burnley was the opposite. It was symbolic of a man who cared about Leeds.
He ran his socks off, he was a threat and when the crucial moment came, he took it with aplomb. Rounding David Raya after a mistake, winning a penalty and then getting up off the turf to tuck a penalty into the top corner.
While he probably deserves a big-money move to a Barcelona or another huge club, could he now stay at Elland Road? Time will tell.
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