Not Yamal, not Lewandowski – €50 million Barcelona star was crucial in Athletic Club win | OneFootball

Barcelona secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Athletic Club last night, marking their second consecutive win in the league.

While the spotlight was rightly on goalscorers Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha silently did all the dirty work.

Similar to his role in the opening match against Valencia, Raphinha, valued at €50 million by Transfermarkt, played in a central position as an attacking midfielder and once again showed remarkable defensive dedication, contributing significantly to the crucial three points.

Raphinha’s stats vs Athletic Club

Raphinha’s energy and commitment were evident throughout the match. In fact, fe covered the most ground of any Barça player, running a total of 11.5 km.

His defensive contributions were equally impressive; he made the most successful tackles for his team, with a total of three, matching Jules Kounde. The Brazilian also made the most interceptions, with two crucial stops against Athletic Club.

It must be noted that Raphinha came close to securing an assist with a superbly executed free-kick cross intended for Lewandowski. However, despite the forward’s header being well-placed, it unfortunately struck the post.

Hansi Flick praised Raphinha’s performance after the match. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Interestingly, Raphinha’s performance did not go unnoticed, as Hansi Flick praised his efforts and overall contribution.

“We know that ‘Rapha’ can play in any position up front. It’s great for us to have him because if he starts as a ’10’ and we have to make changes, he can play in various positions,” said the manager after the match as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

“He’s always pressing and that’s very good for the dynamic with the rest of the players. I didn’t have in mind that he would press so high and cover so many metres in 90 minutes. He’s very good and he’s doing very well at the moment,” he added.

Raphinha has made his case, but there is Olmo

Given his outstanding performance, Raphinha has firmly established his case for a spot in the starting eleven for upcoming fixtures.

However, It remains to be seen how Hansi Flick will adjust his lineup once Dani Olmo, who is expected to be a key starting midfielder, is available. For now, Raphinha has demonstrated his worth and has undoubtedly made a strong impression on the coach.

As Barcelona continue their campaign, Raphinha’s relentless work ethic and versatility will be crucial assets.

His ability to cover significant ground, make impactful tackles, and contribute to the attack will be vital as the team looks to build on their recent success. With such performances, Raphinha has positioned himself as a key player to watch in the coming matches.