Leeds sensation Raphinha has a ‘Horrible’ side to him – Whelan
Leeds United star Raphinha is “relentless” and “magic” but is proving he has an all-important “horrible” side to his game too.
That is according to former Leeds forward and boyhood fan Noel Whelan, speaking exclusively to Football Insider amid the Brazilian’s excellent recent form.
Marcelo Bielsa’s summer signing has four goal contributions over the last four Leeds games.
In their most recent match, a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace, the 23-year-old did not score or assist but his performance earned rave reviews from Whites fans nonetheless.
Whelan was particularly impressed by one moment of “Brazillian magic” from Raphinha and was glowing in his praise of the winger’s all-round game.
He told Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs: “Each week we are seeing more and more of his repertoire. He has so much to offer Leeds United.
“That skill in the corner against Gary Cahill was a typical bit of Brazilian magic. He really embarrassed Cahill with a clever megs.
“He is a player now who continuously has an effect on a game, in a positive way. Even if he is not on the scoresheet, he will have played a hand in the goal. He is relentless.
“He gets on the ball, has great balance, is very dynamic and he takes the game to the opposition. What impresses me is that he is not afraid to do the horrible side. I get more and more impressed by his worth ethic.”
The Porto Alegre-born ace began his career with Brasileiro side Avai but moved to Europe to play for Vitoria Guimaraes without making a senior appearance.
He later moved to Sporting and Rennes before signing for Leeds in the summer for £17million.