Raphinha handed ‘huge boost’ after what Leeds United employee has seen – ‘he’s buzzing’
Noel Whelan has insisted securing Premier League survival with Leeds United means Raphinha has entered the international break with a radically different “mindset”.
The former Whites striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 25-year-old will be “buzzing” with his achievements and that is being reflected in his Brazil performances.
Raphinha played 78 minutes alongside Neymar and Richarlison as the Selecao defeated Heung-min Son’s South Korea 5-1 on Thursday (2 June).
The game was the winger’s eighth appearance for his country, and he has already netted twice in the famous yellow shirt.
Raphinha scored 11 Premier League goals in the 2021-22 season, including on the final day against Brentford, as Leeds United secured survival at the expense of Burnley.
Whelan insisted dropping into the Championship would have taken its toll on the emotive forward.
“I think if results hadn’t gone our way on the final day, he might have a slightly different mindset,” he told Football Insider‘s Russell Edge.
“He might have that bit more mental fatigue and have been a bit more run down.
“But to finish the season the way he did on the final day, winning the massive game and staying up – I think that takes you into the break in a different mindset altogether.
“You’re happy, you’re buzzing, the pressure’s not there. Now he can just enjoy the break and playing for his country.
“I think we would be seeing a whole different Raphinha had things gone differently on the final day.
“Staying up like that has got to give you a huge boost going into the international games.”
In other news, pundit hails “another early signing” after Leeds United source’s Rasmus Kristensen update.