Mills makes big Raphinha prediction after Leeds reveal
Danny Mills has tipped Raphinha to get even better at Leeds United next season.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Whites and England defender suggested the Brazilian is less likely to pick up any niggling injuries next season after a full pre-season under Marcelo Bielsa.
Raphinha was introduced from the bench in Leeds’ last game against Spurs after missing the previous three matches with injury.
Bielsa revealed in his pre-Burnley press conference the 24-year-old was fully fit.
Asked whether he expected him to come straight back into the starting XI, Mills told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “Yes, he’s a class player.
“He’s got bags of potential.
“He’s had his first season in the Premier League now it’s about building that robustness to play at that level week in, week out.
“The experience of this season will stand him in good stead for next year.
“We’ve talked about it many times, Bielsa almost works his teams to death at times. They are incredibly fit but it does mean, from time to time, new players who aren’t as used to it are going to break down and are going to pick up little injuries.
“After a season you’d expect those little bumps in the road to be ironed out and he can have a real good tilt at it next season.”
Raphinha has scored six goals and contributed seven assists in 27 Premier League games this season, including 23 starts.
He arrived at Elland Road from Ligue 1 outfit Rennes on deadline day back in October for a reported £17million fee.
In other news, Leeds United have been backed to sign a newly-crowned Young Player of the Year as a £4million fee is touted.