Raphinha may lose his starting spot in Barcelona’s starting XI as Xavi Hernandez loses patience over the player’s subpar performances, according to reports.According to Marca , there is no assurance that the Brazil worldwide will hold his spot in the beginning XI once Ousmane Dembele gets back from injury.
The Frenchman has been sidelined since January due to a hamstring problem.Dembele was expected to play again for Barcelona when they played Atletico Madrid in La Liga earlier today (April 23), according to Sky Sports. He was not included in the matchday squad, though, because Raphinha started on the right wing.
Raphinha is likely to be replaced down the right flank in the near future by Dembele. Since the former Borussia Dortmund winger’s injury, the Brazilian forward has been a regular starter.Raphinha was signed by Barca for £50 million last summer, but his performances since haven’t convinced them.
They are said to be dissatisfied with how little he contributed to their 4-1 aggregate loss to Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey semifinals.The 26-year-old also failed to score in either of Barca’s two La Liga El Clasico matches this season, losing 3-1 in October and winning 2-1 in March.
Prior to his hamstring injury, Dembele was Xavi’s preferred pick down the right side.The 25-year-old highlighted in everything except one of his group’s initial 29 games across rivalries this season, enrolling eight objectives and seven helps during that time.
Last summer, Barca fought hard to extend his contract for two more seasons.When the French winger recovers from his injury, there is every chance that Xavi will reinstate him in his starting lineup.
In Barcelona’s 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid, Raphinha shines:
If Raphinha wants to persuade Xavi Hernandez that he is deserving of starting over Ousmane Dembele on a regular basis, he only has a short amount of time left.Prior to Barcelona’s 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid, Raphinha had not scored or provided an assist in his previous four matches across all competitions.
When the Catalan giants defeated Los Colchoneros on Sunday at Spotify Camp Nou, he certainly left a lasting impression.In the 44th minute, with his back to Mario Hermoso, the Brazilian received the ball on Barcelona’s right wing. With a lofted pass at the box’s edge, he had the awareness and ability to locate Ferran Torres.
The Spaniard made no mistakes with his finish to score the game’s lone goal after setting up a shot with two touches. Raphinha was the only player on the field to complete four crucial passes at the conclusion of the game. In 42 games this season, he has nine goals and 10 assists.