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.