Paul Merson has applauded Leeds United winger Raphinha after the Brazilian laid on a brilliant assist for the Whites to beat Norwich City 2-1 on Sunday – rounding Tim Krul to give Joe Gelhardt a tap in at Elland Road.
Leeds came into the match with the knowledge that if they are going to stay in the Premier League this season, a win over Norwich was crucial. Kenny McLean’s equaliser on 91 minutes was a hammer blow for Jesse Marsch.
Leeds dominated the game – Raphinha hitting the bar twice and the likes of Patrick Bamford, Dan James and more missing chances. But it was Raphinha that provided the difference, along with substitute Joe Gelhardt.
The youngster’s header set Raphinha free and he returned the favour, rounding Krul and passing to Gelhardt to tap in. A brilliant goal, and Merson was full of praise for Leeds star Raphinha on Sky Sports afterwards.
“That was a big goal from Joe Gelhardt to beat Norwich – an outstanding goal, I would say. Unbelievable by Raphinha. At that time in the game, with that much pressure on, to do what he did honestly takes some doing.
“He’s gone round the ‘keeper when a lot of people would have just shot. But he just played it in and the lad’s there to tap it in,” Merson said, in his Sky Sports column on Monday afternoon.
Merson on Raphinha: Do Leeds have a chance of keeping Deco client?
Represented by the Barcelona, Chelsea and Portugal icon Deco, Raphinha has been a stunning signing for Leeds over the last couple of seasons. He has had a hand in 27 goals during his 59 outings for the Whites.
His composure, his end product, will have further proof for interested parties that he has what it takes to play on the biggest stage. Even if Leeds stay up, it will be a surprise if Raphinha remains at Elland Road for 22-23.
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