How Raphinha has gone from Barcelona outcast to all-conquering captain

At the start of July, Barcelona's former captain Tente Sanchez spoke for many fans when he called on the Catalan giants to sign Spain's sensation of Euro 2024, Nico Williams.

"If there's a chance to sign him, I would sign him," Sanchez told SPORT, before going one step further. "If there's a possibility Raphinha could leave and we can get some money, I'd sign Nico. When I watch a match with both of them playing, I pay more attention to Nico than to Raphinha.”

This was a sentiment not only shared by plenty of supporters, but several members of the club's board, who reportedly offered the Brazilian to a number of different clubs over the off-season. Raphinha was not ready to leave.

The all-action forward has emphatically justified his decision to stay, spearheading Barcelona's swashbuckling start to the new campaign. A clinical hat-trick against Bayern Munich was just the latest stage of Raphinha's transformation.

Confidence boost

While former legends, fans and directors doubted Raphinha, the most important members of the club believed in him.

Ahead of the campaign, incoming manager Hansi Flick let the players vote on a new group of captains following the departure of Sergi Roberto. Raphinha was a surprise pick for those outside the dressing room's inner sanctum, but that seemingly ceremonial act has had a significant impact.

"The confidence and trust that my coach and teammates have put in me is very important for me," Raphinha revealed ahead of Bayern Munich's visit. "The mindset with which I started this season is different compared to past seasons."

Almost anything would be an improvement upon Raphinha's opening to the 2023/24 campaign - which he began with a red card against Getafe - but few have been able to match his prolific burst this term.

The Brazil international became the first player in La Liga to rack up five goals and five assists this season - a two-pronged level of output which only three other players in Europe's top five leagues can match.

Positional freedom

During Raphinha's two seasons at Leeds United, 85% of his Premier League appearances came on the right wing. Xavi Hernandez largely kept the left-footer on his favoured flank until the rise of Lamine Yamal over the past year.

"I've also understood that if I wanted to play for this club, I had to adapt to different positions," Raphinha reflected after nominally lining up on the left against Bayern.

Flick is yet to start the Brazilian on the right wing, but gives his skipper positional freedom to roam around the final third. The return to fitness of Alejandro Balde - who provides width on the left flank by charging forward from full-back - allows Raphinha to wander into the most dangerous positions of the pitch. Barcelona's number 11 is averaging more touches in the box this season than at any other point in his career since joining Sporting CP in 2018.

Intensity identity

Flick has transferred his full-throttle brand of football to Catalonia. Up against a Bayern side which was similarly aggressive, every pass, tackle and gentle cough was pressed when the pair clashed spectacularly in the Champions League.

Raphinha has thrived under this identity of intensity. "I've never had a player like Raphinha in any of my teams," Flick gushed post-game. "He gives his all. He puts his heart into it. With and without the ball, he is very good, he always starts the pressing, finishes our chances. He is always smiling."

That grin was evident after 58 seconds of Wednesday's clash - and scarcely left his face throughout the rest of the contest. "It’s time to forget about the past and think more about the present we have," Raphinha declared in midweek. "I am just super happy to be here." Everyone associated with Barcelona is super happy that he stayed.

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