Michael Dawson has labelled Raphinha as a ‘proper talent’ and claimed that he was ‘lucky’ to watch him in action during Leeds United’s 1-0 win against Watford, as he told Soccer Saturday.
The former centre-back suggested that Raphinha is a ‘joy to watch’ and he is a ‘big fan’ of the Leeds 24-year-old.
Raphinha didn’t get on the scoresheet or even assist at the weekend, but he was at the heart of all the troubles Marcelo Bielsa’s side were causing Watford.
For a number of weeks now, the explosive winger has probably been Leeds’ best player, but his goals weren’t met with that reward of three points.
But that winless run came to an end against newly-promoted Watford, who just couldn’t handle the zip and suffocating nature in which the home team played in.
Nonetheless, whilst watching, and his post-match reaction, Dawson couldn’t stop waxing-lyrical about the quick-footed talent on Leeds’ wing.
“Raphinha, he’s got magic,” said Dawson. “I am such a big fan of his. He can create anything out of nothing.
“I am lucky to be sat here watching him because he is a proper talent.
He added later on: “Raphinha is a joy to watch, he really is. He can twist in and out. Go either way. He tries to create and plays positive balls.
“You see the stats. Possession (67%). Shots on goal (20). And that’s how it was. It was a game that if Leeds conceded a late goal then they would have been distraught (given their domination).”
Raphinha is one of the top wingers in the Premier League, and during recent weeks, he has come up against some top wide men.
Both him and Allan Saint-Maximin wowed supporters, with their all-action style and bags of tricks, as Leeds and Newcastle recorded a draw at St James’ Park earlier on this month.
And whilst there could be an argument as to who performed better between the above two during that match.
There was no such contest against Watford because Raphinha outperformed Ismaïla Sarr.
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