Why not? Rafinha’s performance last season! Barcelona is waiting for him to save the title

Barcelona is so sad! Why wasn't Raphinha strong last season? It’s really hard to win the championship without him!

Brazilian striker Rafinha was Barcelona's top figure last season. Barcelona was able to win the La Liga and King's Cup championships and rebuild the dynasty. Raphinha, Yamal and Pedri deserved the most credit, and they belong to the true core of Barcelona.

However, in the new season, only Pedri is still in good condition, Yamal is often injured, and Rafinha's condition is declining. What should Barcelona do?

According to inside information disclosed by the Spanish authoritative football media "World Deportivo", the Barcelona club hopes that Rafinha can quickly find the form of last season because he is too important to Barcelona.

Barcelona striker Rafinha

Last season, Rafinha's statistics for Barcelona were 34 goals, 22 assists and 56 goals in 58 games, averaging 1 goal per game. Moreover, Raphinha's value is not only the data, but also the frontcourt pressing and leadership temperament in the game. Barcelona is worried that Raphinha's decline in form will lead to negative emotions in the locker room.

Barcelona’s record during this period is unstable. They lost to Paris Saint-Germain and Sevilla in the Champions League and La Liga respectively. Barcelona needs to stop the decline. Rafinha will make a comeback in the La Liga match between Barcelona and Girona. He must also actively prepare for the national derby between Barcelona and Real Madrid. It depends on whether Rafinha can save Barcelona by then.

Last season, Rafinha was Barcelona's assist leader. His goals in Barcelona were second only to Lewandowski. He was also the top scorer in the Champions League and ultimately ranked fifth in the Ballon d'Or selection.

Rafinha in the Champions League

Brazil international Rafinha, born in 1996, is a hexagonal all-round warrior who can play most positions on the field. In 2022, he transferred from Leeds United in the Premier League to Barcelona in La Liga for 58 million euros. He reached his peak last season. This season, Rafinha has played 7 times on behalf of Barcelona (6 starts), completing 3 goals and 2 assists.

Flick's Barcelona is good at high-position pressing tactics. Although Lewandowski, Ferran, Olmo and Rashford are also strong players, their spirit of sacrifice is not as good as Rafinha.

With Garvey, Fermin and Olmo injured, Barcelona needs a versatile player like Raphinha. His original contract with Barcelona will expire in 2028. As one of the captains of Barcelona, ​​Raphinha's influence in the locker room is crucial, which is what Barcelona coach Flick wants to see.

Rafinha often serves as the captain of Barcelona

I think Rafinha's professionalism is indeed very high, but it is unrealistic for Barcelona to completely count on Rafinha. After all, Rafinha is not a player with an "absolutely true core" style of play.

Rafinha's statistics were overwhelming last season. That's because he is a weak-side wing attacker and has Yamal on the other side to attract firepower with him.