10 Things You Didn't Know About Raphinha

Raphinha is one of those footballers who enjoys a speed boost in
the football simulation video game. Just over four years ago,
Leeds United’s Raphinha was plying his trade in the Brazilian
second division. Born and raised in the south of Brazil, in the
city of Porto Alegre, Raphael Dias Belloni would spend hours
every day juggling the ball in the same streets as the man he
idolised, Ronaldinho. Now, having moved to Portugal, France, and
now England, Raphinha is starting to establish himself as Marcelo
Bielsa’s new offensive weapon.  


It seems Bielsa intends to deploy Raphinha as his new right
inside winger – the role formerly carried out by Hélder Costa.
Leeds use the right-hand side for 40-50% of their attacks, with
the right-back Luke Ayling pushing forward creating an overload
down this side. With Ayling higher up, it allows Raphinha to
drift inside into the right half-space, with Ayling overlapping
out wide.   Raphinha has looked increasingly dangerous
going forward and gives Leeds another dimension
offensively. 


His showboating skill moves are easy on the eye and have had the
likes of Gary Cahill chasing shadows. He is quickly gaining
plenty of fandom from Premier League viewers. Raphinha has a high
ceiling. His creativity and superb turn of pace have allowed him
to solidify himself into Bielsa’s side as they push for a
top-half finish. Expect to see plenty more viral clips of him
claiming the ankles of opposing defenders throughout his career
at Elland Road. Recently, he has carried Leeds through some tough
games. Raphinha scored against Norwich in a 2-1 win. Raphinha
also scored against the Wolves in a 1-1 draw.