Luke Ayling has heaped praise on Raphinha after the Brazilian superstar made his second competitive outing for Barcelona since leaving Leeds, tasting victory for the first time – and Ayling has branded him a “game changer”.
Raphinha, 25, made the move to Barcelona on a contract until 2027 this summer. Barcelona finally stumped up the necessary cash to meet Leeds’ asking price. Against Rayo Vallecano, he started, but Barcelona drew 0-0 last week,
Then on Sunday, Barcelona were at risk of drawing a second match. The scoreline read 1-1 when Xavi turned to his bench and brought both Raphinha and Ansu Fati onto the pitch. It changed the game, though largely through Fati.
The latter laid on two assists and got a goal of his own in the final 30 minutes as Barcelona won 4-1. Raphinha’s first taste of victory in a Barcelona shirt, and he took to Instagram: “Great win by the team, we continue.”
Ayling praise for Raphinha: First victory since leaving Leeds
Raphinha will always be looked at fondly by Leeds fans. A player of true world-class potential, one of the club’s best players in the last 20 years – if not, the best. Stunning with the ball, passionate, hard-working, he has it all.
The Brazil international is certainly good enough to play for Barcelona and make his mark. It might take him some time to start regularly given the competition of Fati, Ousmane Dembele, Ferran Torres and more. But he is good enough.
Leeds fans could next see Raphinha in action on Wednesday night, when Barcelona take on Manchester City in a one-off friendly. They then return to La Liga action at the Nou Camp on Sunday, against Real Valladolid.
Raphinha might have angered some of his Leeds teammates in the way he left. Refusing to return on time for training and not going on the trip to Australia. But clearly, many are happy for him, and Ayling praised his outing.
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