F365 says: Raphinha is perfect for Leeds, and Liverpool…

It regarded as if he would transfer in the direction of the nook flag and recycle the ball; that’s actually what Gary Cahill thought as he shadowed Raphinha away from purpose. However with legs akimbo, Cahill grew to become the newest chump in an growing variety of Premier League chumps to try to deal with Leeds’ splendidly proficient, extremely hard-working new winger. That backheeled nutmeg and his pinpoint cross from the ensuing free-kick are examples of the moments of word which have caught the attention of many suitors; all of the work he does off the ball make him excellent for one suitor particularly.

Liverpool officers are mentioned to have been ‘blown away’ by Raphinha on their scouting missions and it’s thought he would ‘hyperlink up effectively with Roberto Fimino’. That report claimed he may very well be a alternative for La Liga-bound Mo Salah, however he’s acquired the flexibility and high quality to play wherever throughout that entrance three. The Liverpool scouts are undoubtedly on to one thing.

Raphinha 😍 #fpl pic.twitter.com/4xix0ylqAs

— Patrick (@Gazza2000fpl) February 8, 2021

Apart from Xherdan Shaqiri – whose stats are from a a lot smaller pattern measurement – Raphinha betters each Liverpool participant per 90 minutes in key passes (2.15) and assists (0.31), and solely Sadio Mane produces extra shot creating actions (3.99 – 3.78) and completes extra dribbles (2.39 – 1.85).

At Liverpool – like at Leeds – attacking high quality should be allied with work off the ball and defensive duty. Raphinha makes extra tackles (1.46) than any of Liverpool’s fabled entrance three and solely Firmino contributes extra ‘urgent actions’ (15.9 – 15.3).

His first contact is impeccable, his consciousness of area is outstanding and the timing and angling of his runs off the ball means he continually finds himself on the blindside of defenders, who’re inevitably too sluggish to catch him.

That was the case for Leeds’ second of the evening towards Palace. Mateusz Klich’s move was a easy one, made to look good by Raphinha’s run in entrance of Tyrick Mitchell and behind Cahill, who was made to really feel each considered one of his 35 years by the Brazilian scamp at Elland Street. He maybe ought to have achieved higher when via on purpose, however his agency strike was parried into the trail of Patrick Bamford – who tapped the ball residence.

He’s acquired a little bit of all the things Jurgen Klopp appears to covet in his ahead gamers – the arduous work and contact of Firmino, the motion of Salah and the dribbling capability of Mane.

For those who query whether or not he could make the step up would do effectively to recollect the extra humble environment of Liverpool’s present entrance three earlier than they arrived at Anfield, in addition to Diogo Jota, whose signing this summer season many dared to query earlier than he quickly put them in their place.

There’s been off-and-on speak of Liverpool moving for Kylian Mbappe, which is ridiculous not solely as a result of they might by no means spend the cash required to land him, but in addition as a result of it might be an pointless transfer away from their coverage of signing forwards with one thing to show. Raphinha needs to be the subsequent one up.

Teammate-cum-agent Patrick Bamford known as the £17million summer season signing an “absolute steal” in his publish match interview and admitted he was “shocked that extra established Premier League groups haven’t taken a punt on him.”

The extra he performs, the much less of a punt he turns into. Raphinha has established himself as one of the vital dynamic, thrilling attacking forces within the Premier League in simply over 4 months; Leeds will do effectively to maintain him previous 4 extra.

Will Ford is on Twitter