Leeds United employee ‘massive’ Raphinha verdict after ‘very disappointing’ Ian Wright quotes
Noel Whelan has insisted Raphinha returning to form could be “massive” for relegation-threatened Leeds United.
The former Whites striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 25-year-old has lost the “cutting edge” which has seen him net nine league goals this term.
As per FBref, Raphinha had the joint-most shots of anyone on the pitch (four) and registered the most expected goals (one) as Leeds United fell 1-0 away at Leicester on Saturday (5 March).
The Brazil international squandered a golden chance to give Jesse Marsch’s side the lead, firing his four-yard effort into the grateful hands of Kasper Schmeichel.
Reacting to the chance on BBC’s Match of the Day (5 March), former England striker Ian Wright branded Raphinha’s performance “poor” and “very disappointing”, and insisted he “had to score” his 60th-minute effort.
When asked about the importance of the winger returning to form in front of goal, Whelan told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “It’s massive.
“He is our one stand-out player, if you like. He can create something out of nothing, and he’s been the one coming up with the goals for us in the Premier League this season.
“The chances that came his way against Leicester, you’d have put money on him scoring – nine times out of ten.
“But it just wasn’t to be. Unfortunately for Raphinha and for us, he’s just lost that cutting edge that he seemed to have at the start of the season.
“We need him back firing, and we need that quickly. The games are ticking away, and every team needs their best players to shine.”
Raphinha, who is contracted at Elland Road until 2024, has netted just once since New Year’s Day.
Leeds United face Aston Villa on Thursday (10 March).
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