Paul Merson raved about Leeds United winger Raphinha on Sky Sports News (1:47pm, January 30, 2021).
The former Arsenal star, who now works as a pundit for Sky Sports, has been impressed by the performances of Raphinha for Leeds so far this season.
The 24-year-old Brazilian winger joined the Whites from Rennes in he summer of 2020 for a transfer fee reported by The Athletic to be worth £17 million.
Merson believes that other clubs in the Premier League will be kicking themselves for not signing the winger before Leeds did.
Meanwhile, former Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood has praised Leeds defensive midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
Merson said about Raphinha on Sky Sports News (1:47pm, January 30, 2021), as transcribed by Leeds Live: “He is a very good player. To be fair, he’s come in and he’s done well, and straight away he’s hit the ground running.
“He looks a good footballer. He’s full of energy, he’s got a [good] work ethic as well where he works for the team, he just does everything right.
“I’m a big fan of his and the recruitment there to find that player, because for £17 million, there will be people now scratching their head going ‘why didn’t we get him?’”
Sherwood said about Phillips on Sky Sports News (1:47pm, January 30, 2021): “Kalvin Phillips is one of the best midfield players in the league. I think he was an England player when he was in the Championship, that’s how good he is.”
Making an immediate impact
Raphinha has been superb for Leeds so far this season and has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water.
The winger scores, creates chances for his teammates, and helps out his team defensively. The Brazilian works hard for the team, and Leeds are a better side with him in it.
According to WhoScored, the winger has made 12 starts and three substitute appearances in the Premier League for Leeds so far this season, scoring one goal and providing four assists in the process.
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