‘Best in the world at attacking space’: Brazil boss Ancelotti hails Barcelona winger | OneFootball

Brazil began their final preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup this weekend as Carlo Ancelotti’s side cruised to a 6-2 victory over Panama in a friendly encounter.

FC Barcelona winger Raphinha, who is a part of the Selecao squad for the World Cup, started and played the first 45 minutes of the game before Ancelotti switched the entire team up at haf-time.

Ancelotti praises Raphinha

Although the Barcelona forward did not get on the scoresheet, unlike Vinicius Jr., Casemiro, Rayan, Lucas Paqueta, Igor Thiago and Danilo, Ancelotti made it clear after the match that Raphinha remains one of the most important players in the squad.

Ancelotti was full of praise for Raphinha. (Photo by Wagner Meier/Getty Images)

The former Real Madrid manager, preparing for his first major tournament as Brazil coach, singled out Raphinha for special praise and described him as the best player in the world in one particular aspect of the game: attacking space behind the defence.

Speaking at his post-match press conference at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana Stadium, Ancelotti explained exactly what he expects from the Barcelona winger heading into the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

“What I ask of him is to stay close to the defensive line because, when it comes to attacking space, I think he is the best player in the world.”

What Ancelotti wants from Raphinha

Against Panama, Raphinha started in a more central attacking role, operating behind striker Matheus Cunha, with Vinicius and Luiz Henrique providing width on either flank.

Despite that positioning, Ancelotti made it clear that he does not view Raphinha as a centre-forward and has no intention of asking him to play as one.

Raphinha will be a key player for Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

The Brazil coach also highlighted the trust he places in the 29-year-old, suggesting that Raphinha will be given complete freedom when Brazil are on the ball.

“I think it’s more important to be close to the defensive line to attack from deep, but I’m never going to tell Raphinha where he has to play when we have the ball,” he said.

The comments underline Raphinha’s growing status within the national team, where he has become one of Ancelotti’s key leaders on the pitch.

That said, what he does ask of the Barcelona winger and the rest of the squad is to “position themselves well” when the team does not have possession of the ball, whilst he hopes to give him the freedom in attack to showcase his “creativity and quality”.