Stats – Why lacking out on their prime goal final summer season turned out to be a win for Barcelona

Final yr’s summer season switch window was scorching and taking place for Barcelona as they explored a number of choices to strengthen their squad regardless of monetary difficulties. 

Certainly one of their key targets was Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams. The Catalan membership confirmed sturdy curiosity in securing his companies, and all indicators indicated that the participant was eager to affix. 

Nonetheless, the deal didn’t materialise as Barcelona had been unable to pay his launch clause, finally forcing them to desert their pursuit.

Wanting again, evidently lacking out on Nico turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Barcelona. The rationale behind this lies within the distinctive performances of Raphinha this season. 

Beneath Hansi Flick, the Brazilian has taken his sport to new heights, delivering his greatest season since arriving on the membership. His contributions haven’t solely improved however have positioned him among the many most excellent gamers in European soccer this yr.

Evaluating Raphinha and Nico

A comparability between Raphinha and Nico this season highlights a stark distinction of their performances. 

Raphinha has been in sensational type for Barcelona this season. (Picture by Fran Santiago/Getty Photos)

Whereas the Barcelona winger has been in sensational type, the Athletic Bilbao star has struggled to make a major impression in statistical phrases, regardless of being an necessary determine for his workforce.

Raphinha’s numbers communicate for themselves. He has registered 24 objectives and 15 assists throughout all competitions, contributing on to Barcelona’s attacking output in LaLiga, the Champions League, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Tremendous Cup. 

In LaLiga alone, he has discovered the web 13 instances, making him the third-highest scorer within the league behind Robert Lewandowski (19 objectives) and Kylian Mbappe (15 objectives).

In distinction, Nico has endured a difficult season, managing only one objective in LaLiga. Though accidents have performed a job in his struggles—having suffered setbacks to his ankle, hip, and now one other bodily subject—his total contribution has been minimal. 

Regardless of lacking solely 4 matches, he has performed in 30 video games and recorded simply 5 assists, a considerably decrease output in comparison with Raphinha.

Finally, Barcelona’s lack of ability to signal Nico Williams could have labored of their favour. 

Raphinha has stepped up and established himself as a key participant for the workforce, proving that generally, what seems to be a setback can change into an surprising benefit.