Raphinha Scores 8 Goals in 5 Games as Barcelona Recast Him at No. 9

3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Sep 12

Eight goals in five matches have made Raphinha Barcelona’s early-season focal point, with the Brazilian leading the line and starring again against Feyenoord in the Champions League.
Barcelona turned to him after Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres departed, and the 29-year-old has answered by finishing like a natural center-forward while linking play smoothly through the middle.
His latest display included a standout feint-and-finish against Feyenoord, reinforcing Hansi Flick’s unconventional decision to use a former winger as the club’s main striker.
That surge has made Barcelona’s summer pursuit of Julián Álvarez look unnecessary, even after Gabriel Jesus arrived on deadline day to provide a more orthodox No. 9 option.

Sources

The Guardian3d ago

Raphinha Thrives as Barcelona's New No. 9, Scoring Eight Goals in Five Games

MUNDO DEPORTIVO3d ago

Raphinha leads Europe's top leagues in goal contributions

GOAL English21h ago

Jesús challenges Raphinha: I don't want to score easy goals with Barcelona | Goal.com

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