McLeish in awe of what he’s just seen from Raphinha at Leeds
Alex McLeish was left blown away by the “terrific” work ethic of Raphinha for Leeds United against Everton on Wednesday night.
The former Rangers and Scotland boss, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, admitted the 24-year-old could be an inspiration to the next generation of players to demonstrate the importance of hard work.
The summer signing netted his fourth goal of the season against the Toffees but was unable to prevent Leeds from slipping to a 2-1 defeat at Elland Road.
He has established himself as a mainstay under Marcelo Bielsa, with 13 league starts in 16 appearances, and has leapfrogged the likes of Helder Costa in the pecking order.
McLeish admitted he was thoroughly impressed by the Brazilian winger’s quality but insisted it was his willingness to work hard that set him apart.
“Raphinha has come into the team and he’s given them such a lot,” McLeish told Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge.
“Not only did he get a terrific goal, he is doing the work demands of Bielsa as well. Normally you would think it’s a player that might not chase as much as a teammate would.
“There was once when Leeds were having a brilliant spell in the game at 2-1 down, he lost the ball on the right side of the play, Everton moved it to the other side and he chased it all the way and, low and behold, he actually got it back and Leeds mounted another attack.
“If you were ever going to show a video excerpt to young players, it would be that one to say: ‘Look what this guy did when he lost the ball.’
“Obviously you’ve got players in different parts of the field where they can sort out the problem, but his attitude was brilliant – that’s the emphasis I’m making.
“It would be a great learner for young players who just like to show the skill side of the game without doing the actual hard work.”
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