It’s no secret that Liverpool tried to sign Raphinha from Leeds United last summer and he showcased why in an important win for the relegation-threatened side on Sunday.
His pace stretched the Hammers all game and it meant that they constantly had to rethink how high they wanted to play their line as the rapid left-footed winger was darting in behind their backline constantly.
Yet, when he got behind he wasn’t just a predictable ball carrier, he was able to hold the ball up and wait for support and this led to the first goal of the game as he teed up Klich whose shot was saved. The ball was then recycled to Jack Harrison who scored.
He then took a corner later in the first half and while he didn’t get the assist, Harrison scored from the goalmouth scramble that ensued from his outswinging cross.
As much as this article is about praising him, Raphinha should have done better with his hold up play to keep the ball away from Aaron Cresswell as he lost the ball in the build-up to Pablo Fornals goal.
He made amends for it, however, with a perfectly weighted through ball to Harrison who dinked Fabianksi to win the game for Leeds.
He then hit the post with a free-kick from 25 yards which would have capped off a superb afternoon. The Brazilian also had an assist for Klich disallowed for offside but what a performance…
Liverpool should do everything they can to sign Raphinha although many fans will understand why they refused to pay the £60million that was demanded last summer.
Carth Crooks waxes lyrical about Raphinha after 3-2 West Ham win
The Brazilian starred in Leeds’ 3-2 win over West Ham as he picked out a peach of a pass to Jack Harrison to help the Whites pick up a massive win and move three points further away from the relegation zone.
“There aren’t many footballers I enjoy watching as much as I do Raphinha,” the 63-year-old wrote in team of the week column for BBC Sport.
“He’s a throwback to the Rivaldos and Ronaldinhos of yesteryear. The Brazilian’s game is so elegant and delightful to watch.
“Like so many Brazilian players, he treats the ball with the utmost respect, almost as if it were a friend.
“Without Raphinha, Leeds would not have won at West Ham. Jack Harrison will get all the headlines but there is only one star in Leeds United’s show and it’s Raphinha.”
