Joe Urquhart has been speaking on the latest edition of the Inside Elland Road podcast about all things relating to Leeds United.
One of the topics that came up was the performance of Raphinha, who was handed his first start in the Premier League by Marcelo Bielsa and completed 90 minutes in the Whites’ 0-0 draw with Arsenal.
The Brazilian was signed in the last transfer window for £16.72m, and he had made three appearances from the bench before this game against the Gunners.
However, he was handed the chance to impress from the start and earned a solid 7.07 rating from WhoScored; he also hit the woodwork with one shot and made one key pass as well as completing one dribble.
So, he played well, and Urquhart was impressed by his performance.
He said: “I think on his first start in the Premier League, he did really well.
“There was a nutmeg on Willian that made me squeal a little bit.
“He started off attacks and he wasn’t scared to have a shot.
“So I think he looks like an exciting addition.”
Were you impressed by Raphinha?
Yes, looked dangerous
No, he had no end product
TIF Thoughts on Raphinha and Urquhart’s view on him…
For his first start in the Premier League, Raphinha certainly did not lack confidence as he fired in four shots, which could be a sign of a player who believes in his own abilities, and though he did not score or provide an assist, he was a threat for Leeds all afternoon.
Last season in Ligue 1, he was Rennes’ second-best player averaging a rating of 7.13 and scoring five goals as well as providing three assists.
So, we can see why Urquhart thinks that he will be an exciting addition, and on the evidence of this display, we can’t wait to see more from Raphinha going forward.