BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks was left mesmerised by Leeds United star Raphinha this weekend in their 3-2 win against West Ham, with the Brazilian having an outstanding match.
Writing in his Team of the Week post, the former Tottenham star lauded the winger’s performance against the Irons, with Crooks even comparing Raphinha to the likes of Rivaldo and Ronaldinho, two Brazilian icons who won the Ballon d’Or.
Leeds secured a huge result in east London as Jack Harrison bagged his first career hat-trick to bring the three points back to Yorkshire, with the Whites now up to 15th in the Premier League and nine points clear of relegation.
With a game in hand over Norwich City, small threats of facing the drop could be extinguished after Leeds claimed one of their best results of the season, and Raphinha was at the heart of the action.
The winger assisted Harrison’s third and final goal and tormented West Ham for most of the game. And according to Crooks, Raphinha’s performance had shades of the last great Brazilian generation.
The pundit wrote: “There aren’t many footballers I enjoy watching as much as I do Raphinha for Leeds. He’s a throwback to the Rivaldos and Ronaldinhos of yesteryear.
“The Brazilian’s game is so elegant and delightful to watch. Like so many Brazilian players, he treats the ball with the utmost respect, almost as if it were a friend.”
Raphinha continues to build Leeds legacy with latest masterclass
Fans and pundits are beginning to run out of words to describe Raphinha’s quality for Leeds after his latest display for the Premier League side.
The winger was unplayable against West Ham on Sunday. And Raphinha’s performances for Leeds have been key in the club remaining far away from the mess that is the Premier League relegation battle.
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