Barcelona’s director Deco has highlighted the impact of Raphinha at the club, noting that he was a sought-after player during the transfer window, with both Chelsea and Arsenal showing interest in signing him. Deco’s comments underscore Raphinha’s contribution to the team, as he has managed to outshine his teammate Ousmane Dembélé in terms of playing time, goals, and assists.
Raphinha’s Rise at Barcelona
Deco, the former Barcelona midfielder and current club director, has praised Raphinha’s performance since joining the Catalan giants. He pointed out that Raphinha’s ability to secure more playing time than Dembélé, coupled with his goal contributions, is a testament to his value to the team. This comes after both Chelsea and Arsenal were keen on acquiring the Brazilian attacker, indicating his high regard in the football community.
Ousmane Dembélé’s Position at Barcelona
Ousmane Dembélé, the French attacker currently playing for Barcelona, has found himself competing with Raphinha for a spot in the starting lineup. Despite his talent, Dembélé has been overshadowed by Raphinha’s recent form, which has seen the Brazilian become a more influential figure on the pitch for the La Liga side.
Deco also nostalgically mentioned past Barcelona legends Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto’o, and himself, acknowledging that players of their calibre are not available in the current market. This statement serves to underline the unique qualities that Raphinha brings to the team, reminiscent of the impact that these former stars had during their time at the club.