Leeds United news: Noel Whelan ‘loves’ what he’s heard about Raphinha at Thorp Arch
Noel Whelan has insisted Raphinha epitomises the “spirit” and “mentality” of Leeds United after hearing what he is like in training.
The former Leeds United striker and club ambassador, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, admitted he “loved” finding out how “angry” the 25-year-old gets at Thorp Arch.
Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post (2 February), Adam Forshaw revealed Raphinha is not afraid to let his emotions out on the training ground pitches.
The midfielder said the Brazilian could get “angry” and “spits the dummy out” when things are not going his way in training sessions.
Whelan insisted the winger’s passion shows his desire to work hard and not let anyone down at Elland Road.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “This is the mentality Leeds United go in with. There’s a sign outside the ground that says ‘side before self’.
“That’s exactly what it is. It’s a team game and everyone helps one another on the ball and off the ball.
“We’ve built a great squad of players. Everybody works hard for one another and nobody wants to let one another down.
“The fact that Raphinha gets angry in training, I love that. It means that they’re playing the game the right way. They’re going to take that into the games when they play in Premier League.
“I’ve seen him sit on the chair after a game when we got beat one time, upset. That is the mentality of player that we have now that we didn’t have before in the Championship about seven years ago.
“The calibre of players, the mentality of players, the attitude of the players. What we’ve built now is a squad of players that fight, scrap, work hard for one another.
“However, they still play, in possession, a beautiful game to watch.”
Raphinha joined Leeds from Stade Rennais back in 2020.
He has played 51 times for the Whites so far, as well as five times for Brazil.
In other news, Football Insider understands Raphinha’s value is about to skyrocket at Elland Road.