Leeds United’s latest results have made for painful reading for all those of a Whites persuasion, however some consolation comes in the form of summer signing Raphinha.
The Brazilian wideman has emerged as something of a dynamic, multi-faceted player within Marcelo Bielsa's system, despite playing just 59 minutes in the league. Across his trio of substitute appearances, Raphinha has caught the eye, beating opposition players with crisp passing and individual skill.
There is a palpable sense that the best is yet to come from the 23-year-old who arrived from Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais late into this summer’s transfer window. Raphinha turned down the prospect of Champions League football with the French club this season, in lieu of battling with the likes of Hélder Costa for a starting berth under Bielsa.
This should speak volumes of the project and ambition that has been sold to the former Sporting CP man. He clearly believes he is joining a club on the up, and can be a key figure in populating the team that achieves relative success on their maiden voyage in the top flight for over a decade.
It does mean however, that Portuguese winger Costa is now facing fierce competition for his starting spot. For the most part, Costa’s role as Leeds' starting right-winger has been undisputed. Bielsa's requirement for his new signings to get up-to-speed in his system well documented, but Raphinha's promising early form means the former Wolves man's place is now under threat.
Playing in the Premier League comes with the airs and graces of trips to Anfield, Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge, but a marked step up in quality of opponent. The consequences of winning and losing therefore, are more polarised than ever. When in previous seasons, Leeds could bounce from defeat in a midweek fixture with a stellar weekend showing, they will no longer be afforded that luxury.
This means, Bielsa’s team selection must be faultless going into every league game, and healthy competition for places will certainly go some way to helping him achieve that.
Raphinha has already demonstrated his ability in deeper areas and in the earlier stages of build-up play, aspects which supplement his standout attributes in the final third. His raking, cross-field pass for Jack Harrison against Aston Villa, which resulted in Pablo Hernández blazing the cut-back high over the bar, was a prime example of his on-the-ball capabilities.
Further to that, his 45-minute showing against Crystal Palace should serve as light encouragement to Leeds supporters, despite the result. Isolated at times, Raphinha worked his way into a game which was fraught with to-ing and fro-ing, and became increasingly stretched midway through the second half.
Two instances stuck out from the Brazilian’s display: the beating of Patrick van Aanholt on the near touchline when it appeared he would be forced back towards his own goal, and a threaded through-pass for Stuart Dallas on the right-hand side.
Nothing came of both scenarios, but on a day when Leeds lacked some ingenuity and a certain coolness to break lines like Pablo Hernández, it was a welcome addition to an ultimately unfortunate second half.
This is not to suggest Costa has made a poor start to life in the Premier League with Leeds, to the contrary in fact. It merely illustrates that Bielsa now has two options on the right side of his attack who are capable of playing at – and have experience of – the top level.
