Barcelona in-form superstar a ‘Ballon d’or contender’, says national team manager | OneFootball

Barcelona winger and one of the club captains Raphinha is, without question, the best Brazilian footballer at the moment.

The 28-year-old has been one of the most influential players for the Blaugrana under Hansi Flick while his performances for the Brazilian national team have been nothing short of spectacular.

Raphinha was one of the stars of the show as Barcelona secured a 1-0 win over Benfica in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, scoring the only goal of the game.

Earlier today, the winger received more good news as he was selected in the Brazil squad for their upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina.

Raphinha a Ballon d’Or contender, says Brazil boss

Speaking to the media after announcing the squad, Brazil manager Dorival Junior heaped praises on Raphinha, stating that the Barcelona winger is a candidate to win the Ballon d’Or this year.

“Raphinha is a Ballon d’Or contender,” Dorival Junior stated during his press conference in Rio de Janeiro, as quoted by SPORT.

“Raphinha faced heavy criticism during the Copa America, and now he is a Ballon d’Or candidate,” he further emphasised.

Brazil boss Dorival Junior backs Raphinha for Ballon d’Or. (Photo by Edilzon Gamez/Getty Images)

Continuing his praise for the Barcelona winger, the Brazil head coach highlighted the player’s versatility and dynamism as key traits, saying:

“Raphinha is a very versatile footballer who adapts well to any role. With us, he has played as a winger on both flanks, as a second striker alongside our No. 9, Igor Jesus, and even as a full-back when needed. He is a very dynamic player.”

Strong numbers

Raphinha is enjoying his best-ever season in terms of numbers and impact on the pitch, having racked up 25 goals and 18 assists from 40 matches for Barcelona.

With nine goals and four assists from nine games, the 28-year-old is the player with the most goal contributions in the UEFA Champions League this season.

Raphinha has already surpassed his compatriot Vinicius Jr.’s tally for Real Madrid last season, following which he finished second in the Ballon d’Or race.

If the Barcelona captain goes on to win more trophies to add to the Spanish Super Cup this term, he will be among the leading candidates to take home the Golden Orb.