Foot & Soccer Soccer Match Reports, Football News 
Barcelona supervisor Hansi Flick has thrown his assist behind Raphinha as a severe contender for the celebrated Ballon d’Or award this yr.
The Brazilian ahead has been in stellar kind this season, making a powerful case for particular person recognition alongside the likes of Mohamed Salah, Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe.
Raphinha, 28, has been a key determine in Barcelona’s marketing campaign, delivering 22 objectives and 11 assists in simply 35 appearances thus far in 2024-25.
His spectacular performances have propelled the Catalan membership to the highest of La Liga whereas additionally boosting their Champions League aspirations beneath Flick.
Forward of Barcelona’s essential Champions League Spherical of 16 second-leg conflict towards Benfica, Flick was requested about Raphinha’s possibilities of claiming the Ballon d’Or.
“Raphinha for the Ballon d’Or? He’s a candidate, sure. After all, if he does effectively this season he might have an opportunity,” he stated.
“He at all times helps us loads, and when you see the objectives he has scored it exhibits you ways hungry he’s. You see it, it’s good to see how centered he’s. I’m completely satisfied along with his degree.”
Barcelona showcased their energy within the current 1-0 victory over Benfica regardless of enjoying a lot of the match with ten males.
True to his kind, Raphinha delivered the essential purpose, as soon as once more proving his worth to the group.
Flick added: “They’ve a terrific group. Bruno Lage does a terrific job and you may see his philosophy on the pitch. The most effective factor is for us to be 100% centered and never take into consideration the primary leg. Usually they at all times press excessive.”
“They try this very effectively, they’ve gained a number of away video games. Now we have to concentrate on that. It’s all about positioning, good possession helps us loads each in assault and protection. That’s what we need to do.”
Earlier than his transfer to Barcelona in a £55m deal, Raphinha was closely linked with Premier League golf equipment, significantly Chelsea and Arsenal. Chelsea even reached an settlement with Leeds United, however the winger opted for a switch to Spain as an alternative.
Final summer season, hypothesis arose a few potential return to England, with Manchester United reportedly all for buying his providers.
Nonetheless, he remained at Barcelona, the place he continues to thrive and make a powerful case for certainly one of soccer’s most prestigious particular person honors.
