Raphinha’s Underrated Brilliance: Unmasking Barcelona’s Top-Performing Winger

Amidst criticisms of Raphinha’s form due to sporadic appearances on the treatment table, a closer look at the statistics reveals a different narrative. Contrary to popular belief, the Brazilian winger stands out as Barcelona’s top performer in La Liga.

La Liga stats affirm Raphinha’s supremacy among Barca’s wide forwards, boasting a higher average of assists and chances created per 90 minutes compared to his counterparts. While Lamine Yamal excels in take-ons and dribbles, and Ferran and Felix lead in goals, Raphinha’s statistical impact surpasses them all, particularly in generating clear-cut opportunities for the team.

Furthermore, Raphinha’s performance metrics align with Europe’s elite wingers, including Kylian Mbappe. Despite not standing out in goal-scoring, the 27-year-old’s underlying numbers shine. Raphinha’s assist average per 90 minutes exceeds that of Mbappe, Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, and Real Madrid’s Rodrygo—players hailed for their superb campaigns.

While criticisms mount, Raphinha’s contributions speak volumes. With seven assists and four goals in 20 games, he maintains a commendable record of contributing 0.5 goals every time he steps onto the pitch for Barcelona. Yet, his biggest concern remains injuries, currently sidelining him until February—a period that underscores the importance of his impact on the team.