Raphinha was voted the best player in the match between PSG and Barcelona in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals. The Brazilian star's double and Andreas Christensen's goal helped the "Giants" gain an advantage before the return match at Camp Nou a week later.
From being skeptical, getting used to the bench, constant injuries until returning and playing the role of a bright star, for Raphinha, it was a very long journey.
When he first joined Barca in the 2022-2023 season from Leeds, Raphinha's starting opportunities were not too many on the right wing. At that time, Xavi prioritized Ousmane Dembele. At that time, Dembele's training and playing attitude was criticized quite a bit but Xavi still defended the French striker.
When Dembele suffered a thigh injury in January 2023 and had to take a 3-month break, Raphinha had a chance but it was just an opportunity to compete, not to rush into the starting lineup.
Xavi had Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres who also played in this position. However, Fati suffered a serious injury and lost his rising form. Meanwhile, Torres has never become a main double because of his very shaky form. Raphinha was not worse at that time but also not outstanding than his two colleagues.
When Fati was loaned to Brighton and Dembele came to PSG, they thought Raphinha's chance had come but the truth was the opposite. Torres played very impressively in the 2023-2024 pre-season but that was not enough. The appearance of Lamine Yamal was so good that the right wing became cramped with Raphinha.
The peak was when Yamal was playing well, Raphinha suffered a thigh injury last January, causing Xavi to choose Yamal in this position. Because Yamal not only attacked well but also knew how to make the ball well, Xavi and the coaching staff could not put the 16-year-old striker aside to welcome Raphinha back.
After that, as he gradually recovered and returned to the field in February, Raphinha spent more time on the bench and watching his teammates, especially Yamal, play. Having been brought on the field many times, Raphinha has also not been able to play on the right wing of his strengths. Sometimes, he was left winged or sometimes moved to the center to play as a blocker.
Raphinha gradually adapted to new roles and gradually became important. In the most recent match against PSG, when deployed on the left wing, Raphinha not only stirred up this wing, he also repeatedly got inside to act as a spearhead into the opponent's penalty area.
Before the end of the first half, Raphinha opened the scoring. That was the first goal of his career in the Champions League. After PSG took a 2-1 lead, it was Raphinha who brought everything back to the starting line. That volley of the Brazilian striker proved that he was of the class to shine in the most prestigious club-level playground on the planet.
Despite playing well, this season is still not the perfect time for Raphinha as it is only now that he has begun to shine. However, the Brazilian striker's attitude and determination have made Xavi very satisfied. Once considered a player who could be sold after just one season, Raphinha now has Xavi having a headache choosing a playing position instead of thinking about how much money he will get from selling.
"He is a player with very potential, a good player and a true goalscorer.
Raphinha gives us dynamism, reduces pressure on our teammates and makes everyone stronger. He has a lot of good qualities. I am happy for Raphinha, he deserves the best" - Xavi shared after the win over PSG.
