Former Man Utd, Chelsea and Arsenal target tipped to win Ballon d’Or at Barcelona

Hansi Flick has backed Barcelona forward Raphinha to win the Ballon d’Or at the Nou Camp.

Brazil international Raphinha is enjoying a sensational season for Barca, scoring 22 goals and providing 11 assists in 35 games.

The 28-year-old’s form has helped Barcelona climb to the top of the La Liga table and put one foot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Flick believes Raphinha’s form means he must be considered as a contender for the 2025 Ballon d’Or award along with the likes of Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah and Real Madrid summer signing Kylian Mbappe.

Barcelona’s manager was asked about his player’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or ahead of the crucial Champions League last-16 clash against Benfica on Tuesday night.

‘Raphinha for the Ballon d’Or? He is a candidate, yes. Of course, if he does well this season he could have a chance,’ Flick said.

‘He always helps us a lot, and if you see the goals he has scored it shows you how hungry he is. You see it, it’s good to see how focused he is. I’m happy with his level.’

Barcelona recovered from a first-half red card to beat Benfica 1-0 in the first leg of their last-16 clash. As has often been the case this season, it was Raphinha who got on the scoresheet.

‘They have a great team,’ Flick said of Benfica. ‘Bruno Lage does a great job and you can see his philosophy on the pitch.

‘The best thing is for us to be 100% focused and not think about the first leg. Normally they always press high.

‘They do that very well, they’ve won a lot of away games. We have to focus on that.

‘It’s all about positioning, good possession helps us a lot both in attack and defence. That’s what we want to do tomorrow.’

Chelsea and Arsenal were heavily linked with moves for Raphinha before he joined Barcelona in a deal worth £55m.

Chelsea even had an agreement with Leeds United to bring him to Stamford Bridge but the Brazilian favoured a move to Spain.

Last summer, Raphinha was linked with a return to the Premier League, with Manchester United expressing interest in securing his signature.

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

MORE: Newcastle star sends Carabao Cup final warning to Liverpool after win at West Ham

MORE: Jamie Carragher rejects idea Arsenal should prioritise move for a new striker

MORE: Sir Jim Ratcliffe names five Man Utd players who are ‘overpaid’ including £86m flop