Leeds United news: Mills suggests what’s really the ‘big’ Raphinha ‘issue’ after latest update
Danny Mills has suggested Leeds United star Raphinha’s creativity is being negatively impacted by Marcelo Bielsa’s “man-to-man” set-up.
The former Whites defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 66-year-old should be looking to “get the best” out of the Brazil international.
Raphinha, 25, returned to the starting lineup as Leeds United fell to a 6-0 defeat away at Liverpool on Wednesday (23 February).
As per Leeds Live (24 February), Stuart Dallas and Rodrigo both expressed frustrations with the former Rennes winger during the clash, as the Reds exploited the Brazilian’s defensive shortcomings on the Whites’ right flank.
Raphinha has netted nine goals and contributed two assists in 23 Premier League games this term.
Mills insisted Bielsa is “taking away so much of what is good” about the winger’s game.
“The big problem you have is that Leeds United play man-to-man,” he told Football Insider‘s Connor Whitley.
“You have to do a lot of work off the ball, and if you don’t do that work – you’re in trouble.
“Raphinha is a creative player, really, and that’s not really part of his game. Everyone has to work hard in order to have a place in that team.
“By making him do certain things, Bielsa is taking away so much of what is good about his game – and this is the issue I have with it.
“It’s all about getting the best out of your players, not just saying ‘we’re playing this way no matter what’.”
15th-place Leeds United sit just three points away from relegation danger.
Raphinha is out of contract at Elland Road in June 2024.
In other news, medical guru claims Leeds United ace’s season may be over with surgery a “real possibility”.