After a disappointing 2023-24 campaign, Raphinha has transformed into Barcelona\'s most productive offensive player this season, contributing 28 goals and 20 assists across all competitions.
The Brazilian winger has been directly involved in 48 of Barcelona\'s 146 goals, outpacing teammates Robert Lewandowski (43) and Lamine Yamal (31). Only Liverpool\'s Mohamed Salah has accumulated more goal contributions in Europe\'s top five leagues this season.
Tactical adjustments under manager Hansi Flick have been crucial to Raphinha\'s emergence. Rather than staying wide on the left wing, he now moves inside during buildup play and makes darting runs behind defenses, utilizing his exceptional pace and energy.
This positional flexibility creates space for teammates while bringing Raphinha into more dangerous central positions closer to goal. His expected assists have risen significantly compared to previous seasons, indicating improved overall creativity.
\"I understood that if I wanted to play for this club, I had to adapt,\" Raphinha said in October.
Flick has praised Raphinha\'s unique contributions, stating: \"He always plays at high intensity. I have never had a player like him.\"
Raphinha\'s production this season already surpasses the total Barcelona contributions of Brazilian legends Romario and Ronaldo. With potentially 12 more matches remaining this season, he could approach the single-season numbers of Ronaldinho and Rivaldo.