FC Barcelona star Raphinha was called "one of the best players in the world, if not the best" by Osasuna head coach Vicente Moreno, ahead of the two clubs in question facing off in La Liga on Saturday night.
The Brazilian has undoubtedly completed one of modern soccer’s greatest comebacks in 2024/2025.
Heavily linked with a move away from the club to the Premier League or Saudi Arabia last summer while called a flop by many, Raphinha got his head down and worked hard to impress new head coach Hansi Flick.
He didn’t complain about being dislodged from the right wing by a teenager in Lamine Yamal, and even welcomed the competition from the Kopa Trophy and Golden Boy winner.
Adapting on the left instead, the ex-Leeds United man became a leader that was often captain when the likes of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Ronald Araujo and Frenkie de Jong were all injured, and he’s now being talked up as a potential Ballon d’Or winner because of his incredible goals (25) and assists (16) stats this term.
As one of the top scorers in the competition, Raphinha gave Barca a 1-0 advantage on Wednesday while his team won by the same margin in the Champions League last 16 at Benfica.
The Catalans now face Osasuna in La Liga which they top by a single point over Ateltico Madrid while three in front of Real Madrid.
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Ahead of the Saturday night clash in Spain, the opposition’s head coach lavished praise on the number 11.
Osasuna of course won the last meeting between the two teams 4-2 in September, and Vicente Moreno pointed out that two difference makers in Raphinha and Lamine were absent from the get go in El Sadar.
“Raphinha and Lamine did not play from the start and they are two players who if they are not starters, in whatever team they are, make the difference,” Moreno said at his prematch press conference.
“Either of the two. Raphinha, for example, is underrated. I see him as one of the best in the world, if not the best, with more influence on offensive and defensive play, in teamwork and individually. We are talking about top players,” the manager added.
With Benfica visiting Montjuic on Tuesday, though, it’s still not guaranteed that the pair might start because Flick could make rotations to guarantee fresh legs.