Stats show why Pedri was right to hand his MOTM award to Raphinha

Since the arrival of Hansi Flick at Barcelona, one player who has truly transformed is Raphinha. 

While several players have improved under the new German coach, Raphinha’s progress is particularly striking. He showcased his development once again against Young Boys, where he put in an outstanding performance in a resounding 5-0 win.

Wearing the captain’s armband, Raphinha not only impressed fans and teammates alike but also played a crucial role in securing the victory. 

His contribution included a goal and an assist, which earned him the title of Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the match from Pedri. This recognition highlights just how important he has become to the team.

Raphinha’s performance in numbers

Looking deeper into the match statistics provided by Mundo Deportivo, Raphinha’s influence is even more apparent. He stood out as the player with the most shots in the match, taking six attempts at goal. 

Additionally, he created the most scoring chances (5) for his teammates, demonstrating his ability to not only score but also set up scoring opportunities. 

Raphinha was Barcelona’s best player against Young Boys. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

His passing in the final third was particularly noteworthy, with 28 completed passes, most by any player, showing his effectiveness in connecting with his teammates in crucial areas of the pitch. Furthermore, he attempted eight crosses, which is again the most any player did.

There is more to it

His all-around performance included three successful dribbles, 85 overall interventions, three tackles, and four possessions won. 

These figures reflect a player who is not only focused on attacking but is also committed to contributing defensively and in build-up play. 

Such a well-rounded performance adds to his growing confidence as he emerges as one of the standout players in the Blaugrana squad this season.

As Raphinha continues to shine under Flick’s management, he appears set to play a key role in FC Barcelona’s pursuit of success.

His remarkable turnaround serves as a testament to his dedication and hard work, making him a player to watch as the season progresses.

With his combination of skill, determination, and now, leadership qualities, Raphinha is indeed becoming a vital asset for the team, and fans can look forward to more exciting performances from him in the coming matches.