Raphinha stats have literally skyrocketed in all competitions since Ousmane Dembélé‘s injury, and the Brazilian has won many games for the Culers.
Of course, Xavi Hernández prefers the Frenchman to the Brazilian, because the former Borussia Dortmund player is way more dangerous on the right-wing.
However, Raphinha has technically changed the narrative, and he’s currently making waves, helping the team’s offensive performance.
Before Ousmane Dembélé sustained an injury, he was the manager’s first choice, always comes to the rescue of the team, both offensively and defensively.
Barcelona signed Raphinha from Leeds United, so as to have squad depth, particularly on the right-wing. Beating the likes of Chelsea to get his signature.
It’s wise enough to assume that the Frenchman’s availability didn’t allow the Brazilian to showcase his full potential.
Meanwhile, everything comes to light when Dembélé sustains an injury. Xavi Hernández doesn’t have an alternative, than to bet on the former Premier League star.
As a result, it would be a tough decision for the manager whenever the Frenchman returns to the squad, bringing up a massive competition.
Ousmane has literally missed many games for the Blaugranas, most likely to be unavailable for their upcoming El-Clásico against Real Madrid.
However, he’s expected to be fully available after the international break. Therefore, it’s going to be a tough competition between him and Raphinha.
The Brazilian was once a scapegoat in the midst of the Culers, rubbishing his performance, calling for his exit from Spotify Camp Nou.
Having lost Mykhailo Mudryk to Chelsea in the January transfer window. Arsenal wanted to sign him, but he declined the offer, wanting to fight for his place at Barcelona.
Apparently, he has literally justified his potential in the absence of Ousmane Dembélé, becoming an important player for the Culers.
Raphinha’s key goals for Barcelona so far this season
- Winner vs Atletico Bilbao
- Winner vs Valencia
- Winner vs Osasuna
- Opener vs Real Betis
- Goal+assist vs Manchester United
- Goal+assist vs Sevilla
Statistically, the Brazilian has single-handedly won 17 points for the Culers in La Liga this campaign, thanks to his goals.
At the moment, Raphinha is currently dazzling more impressively than the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and others.
Alejandro Balde on Raphinha:
“He is going through a great moment. He gives us a lot. He has a lot of quality, and we’re very happy to have him with us.”
According to Mundo Deportivo, when the Brazilian was subbed off against Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League knockout.
He kicked the bench, and as a result, he hurt his knee, failing to start against Cadiz in La Liga.
However, Raphinha felt remorseful, apologized in the dressing room to his teammates and Xavi Hernández.
Since then, he has been flying high for Barcelona in all competitions, giving them back-to-back points in the league.
Raphinha stats vs Ousmane Dembélé in 2022-2023, who should be Xavi Hernández’s first choice?
Obviously, the two right attackers barely play together in the same match, because they attack from the right-wing.
As a result, Xavi Hernández is expected to choose wisely, his first choice whenever the Frenchman fully returns to the squad.
The Spanish gaffer loves Dembélé, as he always mounts pressure on the opponent’s defense, shaking their box.
Barcelona would have won if Ousmane had played against Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League knockout.
Because he can single-handedly destroy Erik ten Hag’s troops at the back. To the manager, he offers something the Brazilian cannot.
Ousmane Dembélé:
- 1839 minutes
- 8 goals
- 7 assists
- 15 goal contributions
- 35 chances created
- 0.73 G/A per 90 minutes
Raphinha
- 2004 minutes
- 9 goals
- 9 assists
- 18 goal contributions
- 35 chances created
- 0.81 G/A per 90 minutes
Without being sentimental, the Brazilian is one of the best attackers in Europe’s top-5 leagues, very creative and all.
There was a reason Chelsea and Arsenal wanted to sign him, that shows his level of potential, a fearless right winger.
Nevertheless, Ousmane Dembélé remains the manager’s first choice. Because he’s literally better than the Brazilian.
Potential-wise, the Frenchman is way better than Raphinha, their overall stats reveal the better attacker between the two.
The former Premier League star boy always struggles from the left-wing, so he attacks excellently from the right.
However, he doesn’t have everything to bench Dembélé, when he returns from injury. Of course, it’s left to the gaffer to decide.
Raphinha Stats: What’s the difference between the two attackers?
Obviously, the Frenchman isn’t a real goal-machine, he prefers 20 creating chances in a single game, registering many assists.
Ousmane Dembélé isn’t a ruthless finisher, matter of fact, he does miss many chances because he’s not really clinical in front of goal.
On the contrary, Raphinha offers both assists and goals, as evidenced by his all-around statistics at Leeds United.
However, that’s not enough reason to be above the Frenchman. He has competitors, the likes of Ansu Fati and Ferran Torres are there.
The Frenchman averages more key passes per 90 minutes than the Brazilian. He poses more threat to the opponent’s defense line.
Barcelona missed him against Manchester United, because none could dangerously cause havoc inside the Red Devils’ box.
Why does Xavi Hernández love Ousmane Dembélé?
In all fairness, the Frenchman is one of the best playmakers in Europe’s top-5 leagues, close to Messi in his playmaking skills.
As a result, it’s wise for the Spanish manager to value his potential. Outside his injury woes, he’s irreplaceable at Barcelona.
Xavi doesn’t need Dembélé to score goals, of course he has Robert Lewandowski, who is a goal-machine.
Therefore, he needs the Frenchman to create chances, and the player usually does it for fun.
Ousmane is arguably the most creative right attacker in La Liga, one of the best in Europe’s top-5 leagues.