One of the biggest contributors to Barcelona’s amazing start to the 2024/25 campaign is Raphinha, who is enjoying the best season of his career under Hansi Flick and continues to lead the _Blaugrana_ both with his play and his leadership on and off the pitch.
Raphinha was in the scoresheet again in the midweek win over Mallorca, with two goals that improved his tally to 16 goals and 10 assists in 21 games for Barça this season. And the Brazilian [reportedly had to convince his coach to even be on the pitch](https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2024/12/4/24313059/raphinha-talked-barcelona-boss-hansi-flick-out-of-resting-him-against-real-mallorca), as Flick was planning to rest Raphinha alongside Robert Lewandowski on Tuesday.
But Hansi won’t need any convincing this weekend, as the German boss confirmed Raphinha will be in the starting XI for Saturday’s clash against Real Betis. Lewandowski will start as well, with Flick revealing the striker will make his return to the lineup after getting a night off in midweek.
> “No, no. We are very convinced that we need Rapha in every game. When he is available and OK, he will play. If he plays for the whole 90 minutes, then he will play fully, if not less. Lewy is also a case in point and will be a starter tomorrow.”
While there’s always a bit of concern about Raphinha or any other player being on the pitch for so many games in a row, the Brazilian does appear to be one of those outliers whose fitness levels are above anyone else. He is also a great professional who takes excellent care of his body, and he won’t want to come off the pitch in his current form anyway.
Fingers crossed Raphinha stays healthy and available this season, because there’s no doubt he’ll be a big part of whatever success we achieve over the next six months.