"Raphinha's importance to Barcelona under Hansi Flick is no longer up for debate. The numbers alone make that clear, but the wider impact he has on the team goes far beyond goals and assists. In just 18 appearances this season, the Brazilian winger has already delivered 11 goals and five assists, which shows his decisive role in Flick's system. His influence was most visible during Barcelona's recent success in the Spanish Super Cup."
"Maintaining the fitness levels he reached last year has been a challenge, and that has forced Flick to manage him carefully. As a result, Raphinha has been absent from several key fixtures, and Barcelona have paid the price. One of the clearest examples came against Real Sociedad. Raphinha was unable to travel after suffering a thigh injury in the Copa del Rey clash against Racing. Despite Barcelona producing a strong overall performance, they failed to secure the points."
"Worryingly for Flick, Barcelona's defeats this season follow a clear pattern. The team have lost five matches across all competitions so far. In La Liga, they have suffered losses against Sevilla, Real Madrid, and Real Sociedad. In Europe, defeats came against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League and Chelsea. In four of those five defeats, Raphinha was unavailable. That statistic is difficult to ignore. Barcelona lose pressing intensity on the flank, vertical threat in transition, and a player capable of stretching defences."
Raphinha has scored 11 goals and provided five assists in 18 appearances this season, demonstrating his decisive role in Hansi Flick's system. He earned Man of the Match in both Spanish Super Cup semi-final and final, scoring two goals in each against Athletic Club and Real Madrid. Persistent fitness issues have required careful management, causing absences from key matches. Raphinha missed the trip to Real Sociedad after a thigh injury suffered in the Copa del Rey win over Racing, and Barcelona failed to secure the points. Four of Barcelona's five defeats this season occurred when Raphinha was unavailable, reducing flank pressing, transition threat, and ability to stretch defences.
Read at Barca Universal
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