Raphinha: The shining light for Leeds United

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At the halfway point of the season, it feels safe to say that there is nothing Leeds United can be praised for so far this campaign.

The Whites have struggled to make a real impact in the league this year, currently languishing in the bottom half of the table far closer to relegation than most people assumed they would be.

Injuries have crippled an already poor season for Leeds which in itself has been marred by inconsistency, leaving many fans worried about what that means for their side.

Under Marcelo Bielsa, the Yorkshire outfit became a must-watch team in English football. Their seamless passing and relentless pressure were just two key factors of the overarching ideology of ‘Bielsa Ball’ and the main reason for their continued success in El Loco’s first three seasons in charge of Leeds.

This year though, something seems to have changed. Whilst it is very safe to assume, and no doubt right to assume, that such a volume of injuries has altered their form, the issue may well be deeper-lying than it appears.

At the beginning of the season, Leeds did have some injuries but had enough of a fully-fit squad to field a valid and competent starting 11, and even then, they did not look the same. Their attacking venom had dulled, their defensive shape seemed none existent and it was a strange viewing experience when compared to what people had become so used to expecting from the Whites.

Though they have battled injury for much of the season, the likes of Patrick Bamford and Kalvin Phillips did not seem at their best in the games they have so far been able to play. Much of the Leeds team seems to have worsened this season when compared to how they played last year but there is at least one buck to this trend.
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Leeds’ brightest and perhaps their only shining light this season has been Raphinha. The winger has driven his side for the bulk of this season and they seem to be increasingly dependent on his flair to create any sort of chance. Whilst overall this is concerning, it is a relief to know, at the very least, the 25-year-old can handle such a weight on his shoulders.

The Brazilian’s form has thrown him into stardom for his national team as well as bolstered the already sky-high pedestal on which Leeds fans held him. Rumours of Raphinha departing Elland Road have gotten louder as the season has progressed, but the winger seems more than comfortable to stay, at least for now.

Though the overall attack of Leeds has been disappointing when compared to seasons passed, the winger has been something of an anomaly within his side and has so far produced 53 shot-creating actions this campaign, over 10 more than second placed Stuart Dallas.

With 3.91 shot-creating actions per game, Raphinha has been the clear focal point for Leeds this season. His pace and overall technical ability serves to terrify any defender in front of him. He so far has eight goals this term, with second-highest goalscorer Rodrigo on two goals.

Again, the lack of creativity that Bielsa’s side seem to have without the forward is worrying. Many hope that the return of the likes of Bamford will help ease the burden on the Brazilian, and it most likely will. The fact that he alone has been able to carry the entire attack of a Premier League outfit is nothing short of incredible and it makes sense as to why it is rumoured that many European juggernauts are tracking the winger.

According to reports, contract talks are ongoing between Raphinha and Leeds. The winger signing a contract extension would be phenomenal for the Whites and would be a clear signal of intent.

Will Leeds United be relegated? Probably not. A strong January transfer window combined with the first team returning from their injuries should see Leeds through the remainder of the season. There are teams that are far worse than the Yorkshire side that they should finish above.

Keeping Raphinha on the form that he is on will incredibly boost the odds of their survival. With the position they find themselves in, it is not even a question as to whether or not Leeds should sell the 25-year-old if the right bid comes in. If they wish to kick on, Leeds will need their Brazilian superstar to front such a push.

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