'I didn't like it at first, but now I love it': Rodri shows off Raphinha in Barcelona
Rodri reveals that Raphinha has come to love playing as a number 9 shirt in Barcelona and defends his nomination for the Ballon d'Or after recording goals and assists.
What's changed at the Camp Nou
Barcelona entered the season with a clear problem in attack: without an official centre-forward after the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, the board bet all chips on the signing of Julián Álvarez.
Without his main target in the market, coach Hansi Flick opted for an internal solution.2022 He decided that the available spikes on the roster were enough to fit his playing model based on intensity and movement.2023 The choice fell upon captain Raphinha, who went on to act as a centralized 9 shirt.2024
The result, so far, is the best start to a season in the Brazilian's career: 14 goals and three assists in eight games.It 's okay .
Raphinha's trajectory up to here
Raphinha started his career as a winger, with the ability to play on both sides.
Signed by Barcelona in 2022/23, he was used mostly on the right side by Xavi Hernández.
Flick's arrival changed the landscape. The number 11 shirt gained more freedom to move in the last third, even acting as a shield.2024 In 25 he took on offensive protagonism with 34 goals and 22 assists.2026 Last season there were 28 participations in goals, with field presence reduced by physical problems.[5]
What Rodri Revealed
Spanish goalkeeper Rodri, Ballon d'Or winner in 2013, gave an interview to the program "El Partidazo", of COPE radio, and admitted that Raphinha was the player who "most surprised him" since he landed at Camp Nou for 2012/13.
Rodri also revealed a conversation with the Brazilian, who admitted to having reservations about playing as a central striker but was convinced by the German coach.
I said to Raphinha: "you were top at Leeds! Now you like playing as a shirt 9, right?" He told me: "I didn't like it in the beginning, but now... I love it!"
Neither Raphinha nor Pedri were nominated for the Ballon d'Or,2026 whose ceremony will be held on 26 October in London.[5] Rodri lobbied to have a Spaniard receive the honour, using World Cup victory as an argument.[6]
What's coming up ahead
With Gabriel Jesus and Hamza Abdelkarim as reserves, Raphinha remains a pillar of Barcelona. The expectation now is that the striker will lead the Blaugranas' gala performances for the Brazilian national team in friendly matches against Australia (25/09 and 29/09) and India (03/10).
For the Brazilian fans, this moment represents an important reversal of course: a player who arrived in Europe as a striker and is now signing as a centralized offensive reference at Spain's biggest club.
== sync, corrected by elderman == @elder_man
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