Former Leeds United striker Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink has hailed the quality of Raphinha following the Whites’ 2-1 win against Norwich City.
Raphinha opened the scoring for Marcelo Bielsa’s side in the second half and provided Leeds with a constant threat down the right-hand side throughout the afternoon.
The 24-year-old has been arguably Leeds’ stand out player so far this season, netting four goals in nine starts in what has been a difficult campaign so far for the Whites.
His fine recent form at club level has also enabled him to become a regular in the Brazil squad and in just 144 minutes of football he scored twice and provided two assists in his first international camp.
And once again in Leeds’ victory at Carrow Road on Sunday, he was Bielsa’s main attacking threat as he gave young Norwich defender Andrew Omobamidele a difficult afternoon.
With five, he completed the most dribbles of any player on the pitch and delivered an excellent bit of end product for his goal when he took his time in the area and slotted home.
Speaking to Sky Sports post-match, Hasselbaink believes that Raphinha was the difference between the two sides in Norfolk thanks to his cutting edge in the final third.
He said: “People like Raphinha can change the game. His first touch was great, then he wants to go on on his left, waits and has the calmness to put it through people’s legs and score a goal.
“He has that quality. He was flirting with the ball in the first half and had some chances. But he was just totally class.”
