Raphael Dias Belloli
By: Kevin Kemboi
Raphael Dias Belloli also known as Raphinha a stunning 25yr-old Brazilian who cut the eye of Xavi and is a great addition to his squad, having nearly same profile comparison to Neymar
Here is a breakdown of why Xavi signed this gem and how he would fit his style of play.
Players Profile
Raphinha has naturally played on the right-wing of Leeds’s 4-1-4-1 formation stepping above his fellow teammates Jack Harrison, Dan James and Tyler Roberts on the attacking base
And also one of the main reasons Leeds finished not getting relegated from the Premier league.
Raphinha has worked with Bielsa who is famed for his high pressing, gung-ho style of football, which has fitted Raphinha, and his high energy has meant he never shirked away from the defensive side of the game as last season he ranked amongst the top 10 for tackles and interceptions per 90 amongst forwards in the league with 2.60, but it is his ability with the ball that has earned him big clubs’ interest.
He has also struck a great relationship on the pitch with Patrick Bamford, with the duo linking up to cause disaster to rivals.
Positioning
The main takeaway is that he likes keeping his width hugging in the right touchline, this allows him to cut inside into his left foot but also, he does have the ability to carry the ball down the touchline.
Xavi likes him because he uses an overlapping right-back in possession and having the likes of Raphinha who can keep his width effectively may be one of the contributing factors to this underlap from right-back.
Goal Scoring Ability
Raphinha Is calm and composed in front of goals, he always steps up as the club’s creative talisman and leading scorer.
He has scored more than 44% of the Yorkshire outfit’s Premier League goals this season.
Leeds ending surviving relegation, all thanks to him. Whenever Leeds is on the verge of defeat, Raphinha comes in to rescue the point for Leeds
His goal-scoring threat is not limited to inside the box, but as well can score from outside the box, stunning. This is a player that could probably be taking freekick for Xavi’s Barcelona.
Passing or chance Creating Ability
Additional crucial cadenced when assessing attackers is their passing ability, something Raphinha ranks well in passes which are defined as creating an immediate goal-scoring chance for a teammate’ and smart passes.
Raphinha is just below average in key passes but is well above average in smart passes only bettered by Bruno Fernandes.
Raphinha possesses great vision and has a wand of a left foot that enables the execution of the delivery
He is skilled in finding players in the box with a mixture of crosses be it from the left or right-hand flank.
Pace and Dribbling Ability
Raphinha possesses a low centre of gravity, due to his size and it allows him to dribble at speed effectively, beating opponents with ease. His drilling abilities enable him to carry the ball to the penalty area efficiently, the ability in which he maneuvers the ball from the left to right is entertaining as well as unpredictable for defenders, He ranks among the leagues of most successful dribblers with 5th superseding Mo Salah, Mahrez, Sane. His skills are the weapon he possesses and a dangerman to opposing teams.
Defensive Ability
As an Attacker, Winger, Midfielder, Defender, or Goalkeeper, lol you must contribute to all aspects of the game.
Raphinha defensive contribution is important, he is a very active defender out of possession, with this influenced by Bielsa and his style of play, his active defending is of full interest to Xavi Barcelona in put a show against rivals who tend to be a threat on your defence zone
Raphinha ranks well above average in defensive duels per 90 but also succeeding defensive duels per 90.
Weaknesses
Raphinha doesn’t have any significant weaknesses but here is my insight on his weakness
Raphinha’s heading ability is poor, he needs to work on his heading of the ball as well as they are a deterrent to his all-round game
Raphinha has the second-worst aerial duels success rate against his opponents with a poor record of 20.5%.
Conclusion
Raphinha could be in the reckoning of sitting for the season, provided with his consistency of superb performance, an intelligent player, always hardworking and has a positive behaviour
Raphinha is very active out of possession, which will be of great investment to Xavi. His style of play, tendency to keep his width and dribbling qualities should suit Barcelona, allowing them to stretch the pitch and utilise underlapping fullbacks and midfielders.
In a nutshell, all of this stirred will make him a great addition fo Xavi’s squad.
By Kevin Kemboi.
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