Raphinha’s Starting Spot at Risk: Brazil’s Tactical Dilemma Ahead of Spain Clash

Barcelona’s winger, Raphinha, faces the possibility of losing his starting position in the Spain-Brazil match at the Bernabéu if Dorival Junior opts for a striker like Endrick or Richarlison, potentially reshuffling the attacking setup.

Endrick, the future Real Madrid player who secured Brazil’s victory at Wembley, or Richarlison could lead the frontline, shifting Rodrygo to the right-wing position and potentially displacing Raphinha.

Raphinha unveils the team he almost joined, highlighting the looming threat to his Seleção spot. Brazilian coach Dorival Junior contemplates changes in the offensive line for the upcoming friendly against Spain, scheduled for Tuesday at the Santiago Bernabéu. The Barcelona winger’s position appears precarious after a lackluster performance in the England-Brazil match, where he struggled in his natural position on the right-wing, facing challenges with mobility and effectiveness.

Statistics reveal Raphinha as the player who lost possession the most for Seleção during his 78 minutes on the pitch, squandering a significant goal-scoring opportunity in the first half. With justifications from the stats, Dorival Junior might opt for alterations in the starting lineup, particularly in the forward line.

Should Dorival opt for a traditional striker, Raphinha would likely make way for Rodrygo to shift to the right-wing. Brazil could potentially field an all-Real Madrid attacking trio with Endrick leading the line, Vinicius Jr in his preferred position, and Rodrygo mirroring his Real Madrid role.

Endrick’s impressive performance at Wembley, becoming the youngest scorer in the stadium’s history at 17, makes him a strong candidate for a starting spot. However, Richarlison remains an alternative, although his fitness concerns may limit his involvement at the Bernabéu clash, having missed minutes in the previous match.