Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has hailed Brazilian winger Raphinha as a potential Ballon d’Or contender this year.
Raphinha has been in scintillating form this season, scoring 25 goals and providing 18 assists in 40 appearances in all competitions as Barcelona remain on course to win the treble of La Liga, Copa del Rey and the Champions League.
Flick spoke about the Brazil winger ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League last-16 clash with Benfica, after Raphinha’s scored คาสิโนออนไลน์ UFABET ฝากถอนรวดเร็ว เริ่มต้นเล่นง่าย the winner in the first leg to give his side a 1-0 win in Portugal.
The German coach said: “Raphinha’s and the Ballon d’Or? Of course he is a candidate.”
“Raphinha has a hunger and an attacking approach that you can see. It’s great to see him play. I’m happy to have him here and play at this level.”
If Raphinha has any chance to win the Ballon d’Or this season, you can credit a large part of that to Hansi Flick. The German coach’s arrival has transformed Raphinha by giving him more freedom and responsibility in his system. And Raphinha has grown in confidence and unlocked a whole new level of his game.
Time and trophies will tell if he can win the most prestigious individual award in the game. But you simply cannot draw up a shortlist right now without Raphinha’s name on it.