Raphinha faces a demanding fight to remain in Barcelona’s starting XI next season after the club’s latest attacking additions increased competition for the Brazil international’s position.
The winger begins the new campaign under significant pressure to maintain his place in the Catalan side, having previously enjoyed a period in which his position appeared secure. His challenge will be to rediscover the level that made him one of Barcelona’s most productive players and fend off several alternatives for the role on the left.
Raphinha enjoyed an outstanding season two years ago, scoring 34 goals and providing 26 assists. At that stage, he had no genuine rival for his place in the team.
His fortunes changed during the most recent campaign. Injuries disrupted his season and his performances dipped slightly, with the Brazilian finishing with 21 goals and eight assists. Those figures remained impressive, but the reduced output and his fitness problems have left the door open for others to compete for his position.
According to Sport, Raphinha is now facing the highest level of pressure since joining Barcelona. The Spanish club have brought in Anthony Gordon and Jesse Bissouma, while Karim Adeyemi could also be used on the left side of the attack.
Those options are expected to create a fierce contest within Barcelona’s squad. The new arrivals are described as players who can apply intense pressure, offer speed and contribute goals, giving manager Hansi Flick further possibilities when selecting his forward line.
Anthony Gordon is regarded as the most direct threat to Raphinha’s starting position. His energy, pace and ability to score mean Raphinha will be required to produce his best form if he is to remain the preferred choice.
Marcus Rashford, who left Barcelona, did not ultimately establish a genuine battle with Raphinha despite producing respectable numbers during his time at the club. Rashford scored 14 goals and supplied 14 assists, but his departure has not removed the competition facing the Brazilian.
Instead, Barcelona have added players with qualities that could make the contest even more intense. Their ability to press high up the pitch, attack quickly and provide a scoring threat gives the club alternatives that were not previously available in the same way.
Raphinha’s performances two seasons ago had effectively protected his place in the starting line-up. His record of 34 goals and 26 assists made it difficult for any rival to challenge him. However, the combination of injuries, a modest statistical decline and Barcelona’s recruitment has changed the situation.
The Brazilian must now respond on the pitch. While his previous record continues to underline his importance to Barcelona, he is no longer without serious competition. Gordon’s arrival, the addition of Jesse Bissouma and the possibility of using Adeyemi on the left mean Raphinha will need to deliver consistently if he is to keep his role in the starting team.
