Hansi Flick hails ‘brilliant’ Barcelona star before Girona clash | OneFootball

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has this weekend moved to lavish praise on a leading member of the club’s attacking ranks.

The player in question? Raphinha.

Wide-man Raphinha is for his part of course fresh off nothing short of a scintillating start to the new campaign.

Looking completely rejuvenated under the watch of new boss Flick, the Brazilian has shone from both a central role, and on the left flank.

All told, such endeavours have given rise to three goals and two assists across four appearances to date.

The highlight of as much came on the final day of last month, when Raphinha was responsible for a hat-trick en route to Barcelona’s 7-0 drubbing of Real Valladolid.

The former Leeds United man, in turn, is expected to feature from the off once more on Sunday, when Barca lock horns with Catalan rivals Girona.

And, in the buildup to the derby clash, Raphinha’s recent influence has been aptly recognised by his manager:

“Raphinha? He’s at his best right now. He is a brilliant player and is decisive in every game. I love his intensity.”

Conor Laird | GSFN