In a recent interview with Football Insider, ex-Sunderland forward Kevin Phillips has tipped Leeds United winger Raphinha to join Liverpool this summer. When quizzed about whether the Brazilian wide player should join the Reds in this 0ff-season, Phillips said,
“100% he would, no disrespect to Leeds but why would he not join Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp? He will jump at it.
“I was very surprised when Diogo Jota went to Liverpool but when you get an opportunity to join Liverpool you do it, so I’m sure he is flattered being linked.
“If there is half a chance in the summer I would imagine the player would push for it.”
Raphinha’s Impressive Form In English Football
Raphinha enjoyed a brilliant debut season at Elland Road as he produced a series of productive performances from the right side of Marcelo Bielsa’s attack. The 24-year-old has participated in 30 league matches for the Whites this term, netting six goals and grabbing nine assists in the process.
The Porto Alegre-born sensation has influenced the game at both ends of the field after he averaged 1.1 tackles, 1.0 interceptions, 0.9 clearances, 2.2 shots, 2.1 key passes, 1.3 crosses and 1.9 dribbles per game in the Premier League. However, he needs to take care of the ball a bit better when interchanging possession with his teammates in the opponent’s half based on his pass success rate of 72.3% in the English top tier (stats via whoscored).
What Will The Brazilian Wing Wizard Bring To Merseyside?
Raphinha is blessed with blistering pace and can be an unstoppable force when he is running at full swing in the final third. He excels at getting to the byline and can whip in some inviting crosses into the opponent’s penalty box. The ex-Sporting CP talent usually operates on the right-wing but can also play as a left-sided wide player if required.
The Brazilian sensation has shown in the recently concluded Premier League campaign that he can score and create his fair share of goals from the wide areas. He usually packs a lot of power with his shot attempts and can also work hard to press the opposition high up the field.
Raphinha will undeniably bring plenty of goals and creativity to Jurgen Klopp’s frontline if Liverpool can find a way to get him on board this summer. He is good enough to add some serious competition for Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Diogo Jota for a place in Klopp’s first team. The Brazilian winger can be a good rotational piece for the Merseyside outfit and would serve as an upgrade over Divock Origi who has flattered to deceive with his performances over the past ten months.
