Barcelona supervisor Hansi Flick has thrown his assist behind Raphinha as a critical contender for the celebrated Ballon d’Or award this 12 months.
The Brazilian ahead has been in stellar kind this season, making a robust case for particular person recognition alongside the likes of Mohamed Salah, Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe.
Raphinha, 28, has been a key determine in Barcelona’s marketing campaign, delivering 22 objectives and 11 assists in simply 35 appearances to this point in 2024-25.
His spectacular performances have propelled the Catalan membership to the highest of La Liga whereas additionally boosting their Champions League aspirations below Flick.
Forward of Barcelona’s essential Champions League Spherical of 16 second-leg conflict towards Benfica, Flick was requested about Raphinha’s possibilities of claiming the Ballon d’Or.
“Raphinha for the Ballon d’Or? He’s a candidate, sure. In fact, if he does nicely this season he may have an opportunity,” he stated.
“He all the time helps us lots, and for those who see the objectives he has scored it reveals you the way hungry he’s. You see it, it’s good to see how targeted he’s. I’m completely satisfied together with his stage.”
Barcelona showcased their energy within the current 1-0 victory over Benfica regardless of taking part in a lot of the match with ten males.
True to his kind, Raphinha delivered the essential objective, as soon as once more proving his worth to the group.
Flick added: “They’ve a terrific group. Bruno Lage does a terrific job and you may see his philosophy on the pitch. The very best factor is for us to be 100% targeted and never take into consideration the primary leg. Usually they all the time press excessive.”
“They do this very nicely, they’ve gained quite a lot of away video games. We now have to concentrate on that. It’s all about positioning, good possession helps us lots each in assault and protection. That’s what we need to do.”
Earlier than his transfer to Barcelona in a £55m deal, Raphinha was closely linked with Premier League golf equipment, notably Chelsea and Arsenal. Chelsea even reached an settlement with Leeds United, however the winger opted for a switch to Spain as an alternative.
Final summer season, hypothesis arose a couple of potential return to England, with Manchester United reportedly concerned with buying his companies.
Nonetheless, he remained at Barcelona, the place he continues to thrive and make a robust case for one in all soccer’s most prestigious particular person honors.
