Barcelona’s €60m-rated superstar thriving after Flick’s reassurance in private chat

One of the chief protagonists of FC Barcelona’s rampant start to the 2024/25 season has been star winger Raphinha.

From being linked with a departure under the previous management to becoming one of the club captains and among the most important members of the team, the 27-year-old has enjoyed a spectacular turn of fortunes.

Hansi Flick’s trust the key

Now, in an extensive report, Toni Juanmarti highlights how a mix of Raphinha’s own character coupled with Hansi Flick’s faith in him, has transformed the winger into the beast that has already scored ten goals and set up nine more in just 14 games this season.

Despite him scoring goals in double figures in each of his first two seasons at the club, doubts about Raphinha never went away while transfer speculations were always just around the corner, with the club itself considering cashing in on him amid financial woes.

As he admitted recently, Raphinha himself had moments of doubts when he considered an exit. But the 27-year-old is someone who embodies the ‘never give up’ attitude.

And a private chat with Flick before the season during which the German gave the winger reassurances proved to be the key to unlocking the ex-Leeds United star, who has admitted to having felt shackled and restricted under Xavi.

Furthermore, the direct and more vertical style of play under Flick is something that makes use of the winger’s best abilities – his pace, power, and reaction speed – as demonstrated in El Clasico.

A leader

As per the report, the Barcelona squad praises Raphinha’s character and commitment – as seen by his being elected as one of the team’s captains.

The Brazilian international is known to nurture the younger players in the squad, providing them with all sorts of help and encouragement.

Having just completed 100 matches as a Barça player, Raphinha is finally a happy man in a united group that enjoys itself both on and off the field.

The 27-year-old’s dedication and performance have won over fans who now chant his name at Montjuic, and Barcelona are already thinking about renewing his contract.

*Player valuation in title obtained from transfermarkt.com on date of publication.