Raphinha did not have the best start with Barcelona in the 2 years he played, he didn’t live up to the fan’s expectations. Euros 2024 was blessed with a new star Nico Williams, due to Nico’s relationship with Lamine Yamal Barcelona fans wanted Nico to sign for Barcelona with Raphinha’s departure.
Raphinha “The Man Made for Clutch Moments”
Raphinha had a phenomenal season at Barcelona. His clutch performances in all competitions have made him one of the best players this season. He is considered a serious Balon d’Or contender.
His stats this season are impeccable. He has contributed to 59 goals and assists in just 57 games for the club. He has single-handedly carried Barcelona in many games, proving to be the pivotal point. In previous seasons, Barcelona struggled to find a winger who could score as well. Raphinha is 10x the player Barcelona needed. His impressive performances in big games have been key to Barcelona’s success. His patience, passion, and determination also earned him the captain’s armband.
But what if Barcelona decided to sell Raphinha in the summer to fund a move for Nico Williams? Let’s imagine this scenario for this season.
Summer Transfer Window: A Controversial Decision
The summer transfer window is a window full of pivotal decisions. After Nico’s impressive Euros campaign and his chemistry with Lamine Yamal, Barcelona fans were convinced he was the man who could save Barcelona. Barcelona fans wanted to sell Raphinha and use those funds for Nico’s transfer, they even started to print Nico’s name on the back of Barcelona’s shirt which wasRaphinha’s Number 11.
Now let’s imagine, that Raphinha is sold to a Premier Club (likely Chelsea or Arsenal) for approximately €90-100 million fee, the board sold his as an opportunity to balance the books. Flick is eager to bring Nico to the club, believing in his potential.
Barcelona’s 2024-25 Season Without Raphinha
Raphinha’s stats in 2024-25;
✅ Goals: 34 goals (he is a winger)
✅ Assists: 25 assists, he is a proper link from midfield to attack
✅ Clutch Factor: Match-winning performances in big games (Bayern, Real Madrid, Benfica, Dortmund, Inter)
✅ Defensive Work Rate: Presses high, receives balls, contributes defensively
Nico Williams is young and would never perform at the level Raphinha is, here’s why.
Nico Williams lacks Raphinha’s goal-scoring ability – Nico’s dribbling and pace are impeccable, and Raphinha’s finishing has been top. Nico couldn’t provide the final product that Raphinha delivered. Nico can never match Raphinha’s tally at such a young age.
Lewandowski struggles without Raphinha’s creativity – Lewandowski is 36, and he needs clear goal-scoring chances which Nico couldn’t provide. Raphinha’s decision-making has significantly improved and relies more on clear opportunities.
This would lead Barcelona to miss opportunities, their would-be lack of chemistry and end product.
A Major Difference
Raphinha’s improvement is not only seen by his performances, his change in mentality has played a major role in his improvement. After he was handed the captain’s armband, his on-field presence became more significant. He helps youngsters, fights for his teammates, and brings positive energy to the squad.
Nico still being young would never perfectly fit in Barcelona’s squad. He doesn’t bring the identity which Raphinha brings. Barcelona lacked this mentality for years in the squad, a player like Raphinha is key and should remain at the club for years. We can thank Deco for not doing this and Nico should also realize, the Barca train has passed.
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