It is fair to say Raphinha has made a big impact at Leeds United.
With four goals and four assists in 17 Premier League appearances, the winger has the third-highest goal involvements for the Whites this season behind Jack Harrison and Patrick Bamford, both of whom have played more times than Raphinha.
It is perhaps no wonder, then, that the 24-year-old has already become linked with a move away from Elland Road, with Liverpool said to be keeping tabs on his rapid progress under Marcelo Bielsa.
The Brazilian's football intelligence is perhaps summed up by how quickly he has adapted to life under Bielsa, whose unique style famously presents a challenge for players to initially come to terms with.
Yet Raphinha has faced none of those challenges, initially being eased into the first-team with a handful of substitute appearances before becoming one of the first names on Bielsa's teamsheet.
His early impact may have surprised some onlookers, but there is one Premier League star who is likely watching Raphinha's progress with a knowing glance.
Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes played alongside Raphinha for a single season at Sporting CP before the Brazilian was signed by Rennes.
Despite their short time together, it is clear that Raphinha left a big impression on Fernandes.
The Portuguese midfielder sent Raphinha a welcome message after he moved to Elland Road, commenting 'Welcome to the Premier League, my friend' on his Instagram.
Fernandes has also paid tribute to Raphinha's impact at Sporting in the past.
"Raphinha, I miss Raphinha," he said in December 2019 to Top Mercato.
"He's a player with whom I had a different chemistry from the others. He understood me at a glance.
"He knew, according to the movement of my body, where I was going to put the ball to him.
"I also miss him because he brought joy to the locker room. He’s also a responsible and hardworking person."
Judging by the recent comments from Raphinha's Elland Road team-mates and the graft that he was brought to this team alongside his natural flair, Fernandes will not be surprised at how his old friend has performed in the Premier league so far.
