How brilliant has Raphinha been as a goal scorer, provider and a captain this season?!
Eleven goals in the Champions League this season after two more against Benfica means that he’s out on his own as the tournament’s top scorer, and no one can say his place on that particular perch isn’t deserved.
Against the Portuguese giants, he was the difference maker - as he has been so often in this 2024/25 season.
Lamine Yamal’s spectacular finish will ensure that the youngster will hit the headlines again, whilst cameos of the highest order from Pedri and Alejandro Balde are certainly worthy of some column inches.
However, Raphinha should rightly take the acclaim for the level of his performance and the quality of his finishing. Not to mention his astonishing work rate which again elevated him above his contemporaries.
FC Barcelona v Benfica - UEFA Champions League Photo by Maria Gracia Jimenez/Soccrates/Getty Images
A willingness to give every last drop of energy for the cause adds a further layer of excellence on top of the joga bonito for sure.
On the night he made untold forays into the heart of Benfica’s defence, becoming a constant thorn in their side, and his pass accuracy of 86.1% was also up to his usual high standard.
Backing up the brilliant play with moments in the game that changed the game is what set him apart.
Let’s be honest. Raphinha has also stood tall and come up big in most of the big matches this season. He’s never hidden, always wanted the ball and invariably delivered.
Perhaps what’s often overlooked by supporters but which remains hugely important is the seriousness in his play.
The occasional piece of showboating aside, everything that Raphinha does now is with purpose.
It’s an example for not just every young player in the team to follow, but for every squad player no matter their age or experience.
With a player like that in the XI, it forces and demands the collective level to rise.
FC Barcelona v Benfica - UEFA Champions League Photo by Maria Gracia Jimenez/Soccrates/Getty Images
Isn’t it unbelievable to think now that during Xavi’s tenure there were whispers that the club were potentially willing to cash in on the 28-year-old?
Whilst it’s true that the player we see before us today isn’t the same as 12-18 months ago, it also can’t be ignored that he rarely played for longer than 60 minutes and it could be said that he wasn’t able to fully express himself in the way he’d like as a result.
From Hansi Flick’s point of view, there’s no more important player in the squad at present and that has to speak volumes.
Just 24 hours before the game Barca’s coach also made his thoughts clear on Raphinha’s chances of a Ballon d’Or when asked by reporters.
“Of course, if he does well this season he could have a chance. He always helps us a lot, and if you see the goals he’s scored it shows you how hungry he is. You can see that, it’s good to see how focused he is. I’m happy with his level.”
Raphinha then went on enhance those claims, despite spending the early hours in hospital with his child, in what’s turning out to be a simply vintage season for Barca’s brilliant Brazilian.