Raphinha, Flick's Other 'Signing'

Raphinha has become the great surprise for Barça at the start of the season. The Brazilian winger began the season with one foot in and one foot out due to the possible arrival of another attacker, but he has managed to turn the situation around and establish himself as a key player in Hansi Flick's setup. He has done this far from his usual habitat, adapting to a position he was not accustomed to playing and becoming an all-rounder. The new Raphinha has seamlessly integrated into the Blaugrana team and is determined to prove that he can be the club's great 'signing' under Joan Laporta.

"I feel good. I've been working hard since the holidays because I knew this season would be very important for me. The match against Valladolid showed that we don't need other players to come in. We are in very good shape, and the result reflects what we have been working on," Raphinha stated this Saturday after delivering an unthinkable performance just a few months ago. Amidst the constant swirl of names emerging in Barcelona, his was one that appeared as a potential departure to make room for new signings.

Raphinha experienced that situation calmly. He returned from the Copa América and quickly got to work under Flick's orders, knowing he might have an opportunity to convince the German coach. And so it was. The Brazilian started pre-season with a bang, leaving Flick no choice but to adjust the pieces to accommodate two players who were previously competing for a spot on the right wing. Lamine Yamal is untouchable for both present and future, and Raphinha had to adapt to another position where he could contribute all his qualities to the group.

Flick has finally found that position in recent matches. In Dani Olmo's absence, Raphinha played as an attacking midfielder and was essential in maintaining the advanced pressing that Flick desires. With his inclusion in this role, Raphinha has settled as a left midfielder. From there, he can showcase his physical prowess, link up with teammates by moving inside, leave the entire left flank for Balde to exploit, and most importantly, stay close to positions where he is decisive.

Raphinha played in this new position against Valladolid, and the result couldn't have been better. His effort in recovering balls is crucial for Flick, and his diagonal runs behind the central defenders are a resource that makes Barcelona a much more versatile team. He scored the first and third goals by capitalizing on passes from Cubarsí and Lamine Yamal, respectively, winning over Lluis Companys who has always believed in the former Leeds player's potential.

Raphinha is one of the pleasant surprises of the new Barça, shining from a position where he had never excelled before as a Blaugrana. Flick has effectively created this signing, and it's no wonder he's proud of his pupil. "I think it took him too long to score a hat-trick. He has the quality and confidence to have done it much earlier. I believe he now feels freer on the field. Rapha is a player who does many things very well," said the Barça coach about the Brazilian.