FC Barcelona have needed their players to step up this season after a rather disappointing campaign last time out. With most of the same players still being at the club, La Blaugrana desperately needed to bring out the best in them. Fortunately for Barcelona, Hansi Flick’s appointment managed to do just that it seems.
Many players have significantly improved their performances and even their output for Barcelona this season. That includes the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, and others as well. However, if there is one player who truly stepped up and took things to another level, that was Barça’s Brazilian forward.
Raphinha, now aged 27, is a captain for Barcelona this season and his performances have justified that role of his. A sensational player in his own right this season, both his consistency and his quality overall have seemingly jumped higher than ever before.
Moreover, the numbers back up the kind of improvement that he is enjoying this season. As highlighted by [Mundo Deportivo](https://www.mundodeportivo.com/futbol/fc-barcelona/20241204/1002365080/feroces-estadisticas-raphinha-asombran-europa.html), the Barcelona forward is the second most efficient forward across Europe’s top leagues right now, with an average goal contribution of 1.50 coming from him every single game.
He is only bested by Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane, who currently boasts an average of 1.53 goal contributions per game. Still, Raphinha’s own tally is absurd and this output that he has been providing has allowed Barcelona to truly transform as a team collectively.
In terms of direct numbers, the Brazilian forward has scored 11 goals in La Liga this season already and he also has five goals in the UEFA Champions League. At the same time, he also has ten assists to his name across all competitions as well, showcasing just how complete of a player he has been this season.
Moreover, his consistency is constantly being highlighted within his performances as well. Across the last three consecutive La Liga matches, Raphinha has found himself on the scoresheet. He scored against Celta Vigo, then found the back of the net once again when facing Las Palmas, [and managed a brace in the previous outing against Mallorca](https://barcanewsnetwork.com/im-at-my-best-moment-raphinha-expresses-his-happiness-after-helping-barcelona-get-a-win-against-mallorca/).