€50m Barcelona player finally finds his most consistent version | OneFootball

Without any doubt, Hansi Flick has truly managed to transform this current FC Barcelona team. His tactics, attitude, and regulations seem to have worked wonders on a team that was rather inconsistent last season. Now, however, week in and week out, this Barcelona team promises a spectacle.

So far, they remain the highest scoring team in La Liga and their goals from open play are significantly higher than those of even their closest rivals. While much of the credit for this goes to Hansi Flick’s impactful tactics this season, the players are also just as deserving of it.

Stars such as Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Marc Casado, and several others have worked wonders for the team this season and are thriving under Hansi Flick. However, if there is one man who continues to be just as impactful on the pitch as both a player and as a leader, it is Raphinha.

The €50 million-rated Barcelona captain, as highlighted by SPORT, finally seems to have left behind his inconsistent version from before and this new evolution of his has granted Barcelona a player who has found his most consistent version yet at the club.

With 11 goal contributions so far this season across all competitions, Raphinha’s numbers are extremely positive. However, what makes his season even more impressive is the work that he puts in beyond just the numbers that come from goal involvements.

For instance, against Deportivo Alaves in the recent win, Raphinha started off the game as a central attacking midfielder. His first touch, passing, and ability to connect with his teammates really helped him shine in that particular position. However, soon after, he was moved over towards the left flank once Ferran Torres went off injured.

Over there, he was just as sublime on the ball and created danger as well. His first touch, one that enabled him to open up a lot of space between the Alaves defense, was then essential in setting up Robert Lewandowski for his second goal of the game. However, the test of his versatility would not just end there.

Following Lamine Yamal’s substitution, Raphinha was then even moved to the right of the field. Yet again, he continued to show signs of strength and danger. Now able to cut inside and test Alaves with his favored foot, Raphinha continues to show that he possesses the quality to be impactful from anywhere on the pitch.

Even his work-rate, something that shows his unstoppable stamina and relentless from start to finish, is something really important for Hansi Flick’s set-up. He may be respected as a team captain, but it is because he has earned that right through his own performances and struggles.

While the likes of Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, Ronald Araujo, and Frenkie de Jong have all been struggling with injuries this season, Raphinha remains the only fully available and fit Barcelona captain so far. Yet, even by himself, he has been exceptional and Hansi Flick himself has praised the Brazilian forward.