Barcelona star rated as 'Ballon d'Or contender' by national team coach

Brazil national team manager Dorival Junior hailed Raphinha’s redemption arc from widespread criticism to “Ballon d’Or contender” this season.

The Barcelona star has been revelling in the best campaign of his career. The solitary goal in Wednesday’s Champions League knockout victory over Benfica was Raphinha’s 25th of the season. Across all competitions, the Brazilian phenom has directly contributed to 41 goals in 40 appearances, almost double his previous seasonal high (21).

This remarkable uptick in output has thrust Raphinha into the conversation for the game’s most prestigious individual accolades. As Dorival bluntly outlined to assembled media at the announcement of his Brazil squad for March’s international fixtures: “Raphinha is a Ballon d’Or contender.”

However, the 28-year-old hasn’t always been so highly revered. “Raphinha faced heavy criticism during the Copa America,” his international manager noted, “and now he is a Ballon d’Or candidate.”

Raphinha was a regular in the Brazil side which crashed out to Uruguay in last year’s Copa America quarter-finals. During the same summer, Barcelona entertained the prospect of selling their mercurial winger, who had attracted criticism from fans and considered leaving himself.

Ultimately, incoming manager Hansi Flick convinced Raphinha to stay in Catalonia, harnessing the forward’s physical gifts by shifting him into a new position nominally on the left flank which allows him to roam all over the final third.

The admiration of Raphinha is not restricted to Dorival Junior. Barcelona are up against Osasuna in La Liga this weekend and the Pamplona side’s manager Vicente Moreno singled out one member of the opposition for praise. “Raphinha,” he insisted, “is underrated.

“I see him as one of the best in the world, if not the best, with more influence in offensive and defensive play, in team and individual work.”

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