Neil Redfearn has criticised Raphinha’s performance for Leeds United tonight following a cracker away to Aston Villa.
Leeds rescued a point at Villa Park by recording a 3-3 draw away to Steven Gerrard’s outfit.
The Brazilian attacker has been the Whites’ go-to-player for inspiration this season, having netted eight Premier League goals.
However, this was a difficult night for Raphinha during an encounter which was salvaged by a goal from central defender Diego Llorente on 63 minutes.
Rodrigo received a yellow card in stoppage time for booting the football away after the South American conceded a cheap free kick which killed the visitors’ momentum.
Here’s what Redfearn said about the 25-year-old’s performance tonight.
He told BBC Radio Leeds: “It’s a silly free kick. He’s been poor tonight. Really been poor. I’m a big fan he’s a good footballer, but they’ve carried him tonight and I think Rodrigo’s really frustrated by it.”
Yes it wasn’t a brilliant evening for Raphinha but, remember, he’s easily been United’s best and most consistent player for probably 18 months since arriving in West Yorkshire.
Not that it excuses a poor performance, but these aren’t weekly occurances for the former Rennes winger.
Despite facing 10 men for the final few months, after Ezri Konsa got sent off, this is a decent point for Leeds and Marcelo Bielsa would’ve certainly taken it before a football was kicked.
Aston Villa are no mugs under Gerrard, evident by the fact that they were leading 3-1 on the stroke of half time, before Dan James – who opened the scoring – reduced the deficit just before the break.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
