da doce： Leeds United star Raphinha has been named in Paul Merson’s Premier League Team of the Season following an ‘outstanding’ campaign.
The Lowdown: Superb season for Leeds
da bet7k： The Brazilian arrived from Rennes in last summer’s transfer window and has been one of the Whites’ star men in 2020/21, scoring six goals and registering nine assists in the league.
Raphinha has caught the eye with his silky dribbling, creativity and end product on the right wing, playing a big role in Leeds ending the campaign ninth in the table.
The Latest: Merson hails Raphinha
Merson has been left hugely impressed by the 24-year-old and the Sky Sports pundit outlined [via MOT Leeds News] why he picked the Brazilian in his Team of the Season, saying:
“Raphinha has been an absolute sensation for Leeds this season.
“To go into Leeds as a Brazilian player, and you have to be a certain type of player to play the Leeds way, and he has taken to it like a duck to water and has been absolutely outstanding.”
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The Verdict: More to come
The hope is that this is only the start for Raphinha, with next season seeing him go up another gear and taking Marcelo Bielsa’s side to new heights.
It could be argued that the winger’s influence waned slightly as the campaign went on, with just one goal in his final 10 games, but with a good rest this summer, there is no reason why he won’t be even better next time around.
It is essential that Leeds keep hold of Raphinha should offers come in for him, with the South American arguably the most gifted player at Elland Road currently and, according to WhoScored, their best performer from a successful season. Merson’s recognition of him is a deserved testament to how well the 24-year-old has done upon moving to the Premier League.
In other news, a pundit has urged Leeds to sign a current England international this summer. Find out who it is here.