28 passes in the final third – €50m Barcelona star absolutely ran the show against Young Boys | OneFootball

FC Barcelona thumped Young Boys 5-0 at the Montjuic stadium in the Champions League. There was only one team in the contest as Hansi Flick’s men ran circles around the Swiss team to get off the mark in Europe’s prestigious club competition.

A brace from Robert Lewandowski, goals from Raphinha and Inigo Martinez, and an own goal saw Barcelona net five past Young Boys. Raphinha also netted an assist to go alongside his goal in what was truly a captain’s performance.

Raphinha was awarded the MVP at the end of the game and as per Mundo Deportivo, stats show that this decision was based on merit. The 27-year-old was by far the best player on the pitch in terms of numbers.

The €50m-rated in-form Brazilian star finished the match with an impressive stat line: most shots (6), most chances created (5), most passes in the final third (28), and most attempted crosses (8). He also tallied three successful dribbles, 85 touches, three tackles, and recovered possession four times.

Considering his goal and assist, it would have been unjust to award the MVP to anyone but Raphinha. Donning the captain’s armband, he led the team from the front, just as he has done consistently throughout the season.

The 27-year-old has emerged as one of the key players under Hansi Flick and saw his name chanted by the Montjuic crowd after his incredible display last night. The player was moved by the fans’ gesture and revealed that it was one of his dreams.

Raphinha’s comeback in a Barcelona shirt is a stuff of dreams. He has completely won over the Blaugrana fanbase with his performances and is arguably one of the stars of the season in La Liga so far. Let’s wait and see how his career pans out under Hansi Flick.