Raphinha’s Defensive Picks: Liverpool’s Van Dijk, Chelsea’s Silva, and Madrid’s Militao Shine

In a recent chat with Adri Contreras, Raphinha opened up about his top three defenders in the world right now, and the choices may raise a few eyebrows among Barcelona fans. Surprisingly, the Brazilian forward omitted any Barcelona player, both past and present, from his elite trio.

Raphinha’s top three defenders include Liverpool’s stalwart Virgil Van Dijk, Chelsea’s evergreen Thiago Silva, and Real Madrid’s Eder Militao. The absence of a Barcelona representative in his list is a notable deviation from the norm, sparking speculation and discussion among football enthusiasts.

The rationale behind Raphinha’s choices, however, sheds light on his perspective. Having played alongside Thiago Silva for Brazil, the forward acknowledges the veteran’s enduring excellence, with the 39-year-old continuing to deliver stellar performances for Chelsea in the highly competitive Premier League.

Eder Militao, also a Brazilian, shares national team camaraderie with Raphinha. Despite facing a season-long absence due to an ACL injury, Militao’s impact has evidently left a lasting impression on Raphinha, earning him a spot in the coveted top three.

Interestingly, the Brazilian forward did not delve into specifics regarding Barcelona defenders, leaving fans to speculate about the criteria and considerations behind his choices.

While Raphinha is currently sidelined due to injury, with a projected return in mid-February, it’s worth noting that the 27-year-old remains Barcelona’s leading contributor in terms of assists this season, tallying an impressive seven assists. As the football world dissects Raphinha’s preferences, his acknowledgment of defensive prowess showcases a unique perspective, adding another layer to the ongoing conversation surrounding the world’s top football talents.