Raphinha’s journey at Barcelona has been an interesting one. A year ago, many fans would have preferred to see him leave instead of Ousmane Dembélé. While Dembélé was dazzling with his inconsistent brilliance, Raphinha seemed unable to match that same spark. But fast forward to today, and Raphinha has become one of Barcelona’s most crucial players. How did this transformation happen? The answer lies in the arrival of manager Hansi Flick.
Raphinha’s Struggles Under Xavi
In the 2022-2023 season, Raphinha played mostly as a right winger under Xavi, the same position Dembélé occupied. The problem wasn’t his position; it was the lack of freedom in his role. Xavi’s tactics required him to stick to the wing and take players on, which suited Dembélé more than Raphinha. As a result, Raphinha didn’t see much game time, as Dembélé was a better fit for Xavi’s system.
When Dembélé left, many thought it was Raphinha’s moment to shine. However, rising star Lamine Yamal quickly stole the spotlight as the new right-wing sensation, relegating Raphinha to the bench for much of the first half of the 2023-2024 season.
The Turning Point
In March, Xavi made a crucial tactical shift by moving Raphinha to the left wing and giving him more freedom. It wasn’t about the specific position—whether left or right wing—but rather the increased liberty to roam. Raphinha thrives in a dynamic role where he can move freely, make runs, and link up with his teammates. This newfound freedom allowed Raphinha to finally play to his potential, becoming a key player for Barcelona.
The Flick Effect: A Perfect Fit
The summer of 2023 brought Hansi Flick to Barcelona, and his arrival marked the beginning of Raphinha’s true rise. Flick is known for his dynamic, attacking style of play, similar to Marcelo Bielsa’s approach at Leeds, where Raphinha also thrived. Under Flick, Raphinha has been given even more freedom, often switching positions and covering multiple areas across the field.
Flick’s high-pressure tactics suit Raphinha perfectly. Barcelona under Flick presses high up the pitch, and Raphinha’s tireless work rate and defensive contributions make him invaluable in this system. He’s not just an attacking threat—his ability to defend and press relentlessly makes him a complete player in Flick’s dynamic team.
The Warrior Mentality
What truly sets Raphinha apart is his mentality. Despite not being at Barcelona for long, Raphinha is already one of the team’s captains. He’s a fierce competitor who prioritizes the team’s success over personal glory. Whether it’s stepping up to defend teammates like Lamine Yamal or relentlessly working on the pitch, Raphinha has earned the respect of his peers and fans alike.
This mentality aligns perfectly with Flick’s grounded approach. Unlike some of the more flamboyant managers like José Mourinho or Luis Enrique, Flick is humble and team-focused, just like Raphinha. Together, they’ve created a winning formula at Barcelona.
Elevating Barcelona as a Whole
Hansi Flick’s influence hasn’t just transformed Raphinha; it’s improved the entire Barcelona squad. Players like Robert Lewandowski, who struggled for consistency under Xavi, have rediscovered their form. Lamine Yamal, already impressive, has reached new heights under Flick’s system. By turning Barcelona into a cohesive, collective unit, Flick has elevated everyone’s performance, creating a team that’s hard to defend against.
The Neymar Comparison: Tempering Expectations
Some fans have gone as far as to call Raphinha a “Neymar replacement” on the left wing, but it’s important to manage expectations. While Raphinha is a dynamic and dangerous attacker, he doesn’t have the individual brilliance to turn a game around like Neymar or Yamal can. He thrives in a fully functioning team, making runs and linking up with teammates, rather than relying on solo moments of magic.
The Future Looks Bright
Raphinha is 27 years old, meaning he’s entering his prime at exactly the right time under Hansi Flick’s leadership. If he continues on his current trajectory, he could become one of the cornerstones of this new Barcelona era. While he may never be as complete a player as Neymar or his idol Ronaldinho, Raphinha’s contributions in terms of stats, work rate, and leadership could make him an even more important figure at the club in the coming years.
Barcelona’s future under Hansi Flick looks promising, and Raphinha’s resurgence is a key part of that success. With Flick’s dynamic system and Raphinha’s prime years still ahead, the best may be yet to come for this warrior on the wing.
