This summer, Director of Football Victor Orta oversaw a £96 million transfer spend on incoming players at Leeds United.
German international Robin Koch arrived at Thorp Arch, as did Spanish international duo Diego Llorente and Rodrigo Moreno. Brazilian winger Raphinha – as yet uncapped by his country – also arrived on Deadline Day on top of permanent deals which were agreed for Illan Meslier and Hélder Costa.
Amongst the quartet of new first-team arrivals are two native Portuguese speakers: Raphinha and Rodrigo. As a Brazilian national, Raphinha’s understanding of the language is self-explanatory, but as for 25-cap Spain man Rodrigo, it requires further explanation.
Rodrigo’s comprehension of the language derives from his childhood. Born in Rio de Janeiro to former Brazilian footballer and World Cup winner Mazinho, Rodrigo split much of his early years between his country of birth and adopted homeland where his father played for Valencia, Celta Vigo and Elche.
Understandably, there may be a few concerns that knowledge of his native tongue could have diminished having not lived in Brazil since childhood, but a five year stint with Benfica between 2010 and 2015 will certainly have aided him in that regard.
This means that alongside Raphinha on the right-hand side of Leeds’ midfield, the pair are able to communicate seamlessly, something which can often be a problem for new signings with no commonly understood language.
Additionally, Portuguese international Hélder Costa is also likely to feature heavily on the right-hand side of midfield, meaning both Costa and Raphinha will be able to communicate with new man Rodrigo in attacking phases.
Unlike Wolverhampton Wanderers’ numerous Lusophonic contingent, Leeds’ Portuguese speakers only amounts to three, although that is unlikely to inhibit the rest of the team. Instead, it can serve as an ace in Marcelo Bielsa’s deck, that the chemistry between three attacking players – who cost a combined £60 million – is already at a good standard.
It may be a minor factor in deciding how quickly footballers transition at new clubs, but there have been plenty of examples where those who feel isolated do not integrate as effectively.
Last season, Newcastle United’s record signing Joelinton joined a squad in which there were no native Portuguese linguists, and the Brazilian suffered enormously in attack.
The success stories of Portuguese and Brazilian players in English football follows a trend, and one which suggests Leeds are following a similar path. Manchester United signed youngsters Nani and Anderson during the same summer, joining Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford. The trio subsequently enjoyed an excellent trophy-laden season in 2007-08.
Most famously though, was José Mourinho’s influence on the Chelsea side he inherited in 2004. With the additions of Ricardo Carvalho, Paulo Ferreira and Tiago to the Blues, Mourinho took the team to the summit of English football.
There are no suggestions that Marcelo Bielsa will be able to mirror such immediate success, however the argument remains that with a reasonable portion of a playing squad capable of understanding one another, Leeds have ensured their latest additions will not feel isolated.
