‘Phenomenal’ and ‘breathtaking’ – Raphinha on the track for the history of the Champions League

Raphinha’s journey from Porto Alegre to the locker room in Barcelona is a history of resilience, discipline, and continuous improvement of oneself. His transformation into a high -level artist does not only concern talent. These are mentality, sacrifice and unshakable desire to be successful.

Raphinha has been raised in relentless and ground poverty seen through the Baraccopoli attempts that dirty the landscape inside and around the Restinga district in the city of Porto Alegre.

In a neighborhood where violence and drug trafficking are often a way of life, Raphael Dias Belloli had known since the tender age that football was not just a way out – it was the only way out.

He struggled initially playing for an elite club like Barcelona.

The coach Xavi saw him more as a member of the team than an undisputed appetizer and even when he started being a normal in training, he rarely played complete games.

The inability of Barcelona to buy without selling first because of financial problems put him firmly in the frame as the biggest game resource of the club and the player who is more likely to be sold, especially while Barcelona was trying to sign Nico Williams by Athletic Bilbao last summer.

The attention was also elsewhere with the Yamal Lamine early early talent of the center of the attention of all and actually inactive.

In two seasons at the club, Raphinha was used by the bench 11 times and started only 42 games on a possible 76.

The message that came out of Barcelona was simple. “We don’t want to lose you, but let’s think you should go,” seemed to be the essence.

Raphinha had other ideas, although it was a close thing.

“There were several moments, not just one (when I thought of leaving),” he admitted.

“There was a lot of doubt. I have a bad habit of criticizing myself heavily, so to speak, so that the pressure made me think of leaving.”

The dismissal of manager Xavi in ​​May and the subsequent appointment of Hansi Flick changed everything.

The German coach gave Raphinha a more important role and allowed him to play with confidence. Now he is a reborn player.

Flick concentrated his work on the importance of making smarter decisions, knowing when dribblare, when to pass, and even the most direct style adapted to him.

In these days he loses the ball less and is more efficient and composed in front of the goal.

Nobody should support his right to be considered one of the best players in the world.