Introduction
In this season’s kickoff, FC Barcelona has impressed with their high level of play. A key factor in their success is the outstanding performance of Raphinha. The Brazilian winger has become essential to the team’s attack, proving his quality and contributing crucially to the excellent start for the Catalan squad.
In this article, we will explore the key factors behind Raphinha’s brilliant performance. We will also link his success to the Ekkono Performance Secrets for advanced midfielders and wingers.
Raphinha_overview_xT-received heatmap
Raphinha (Winger - FC Barcelona). His heatmap shows how even though he starts as a left winger, he occupies central lanes in many occasions, acting as an advanced midfielders.
Attack the Space Behind the Defensive Line
First, let’s focus on Raphinha’s positioning on the field. Although he starts as a winger, he frequently moves to central areas to connect with teammates. It is in this position, almost playing as an advanced midfielder, where his ability to attack the space behind the opponent’s defensive line stands out. Raphinha excels at reading the game and positioning himself to receive passes. He skillfully uses the spaces created by his teammates’ movements. Moreover, his timing is exceptional, helping him avoid offside and gain an advantage during plays. These qualities have been crucial to his performance this season.
Screenshot
In this action, Valladolid's center-back follows Lewandowski and Raphinha makes an unmarking movement into a free space.
First Touch Timing after Long Passes
Additionally, to capitalize on these advantages, Raphinha shows remarkable skill in his guided first touch, allowing him to turn these receptions into clear goal-scoring opportunities. The Brazilian times his run to make his first touch at a point that keeps the ball moving towards the goal, without stopping his run, and directing it toward the available space. This timing is key to take advantage of the excellent diagonal passes he receives from his teammates.
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As we can see in this example, Raphinha is almost on the same line with the defenders and he uses the first touch to create an advantage to shoot.
Good Understanding of Pressing Concepts
Lastly, it is essential to highlight the importance of Raphinha in the team’s pressing strategy. As a winger, he begins his task by pressing high the center-back, as determined by the collective pressing strategy, closing the passing line on his back towards the full-back. Raphinha, though, is not limited to this area; he also shows a notable ability to understand when to press the goalkeeper and how to do it effectively. First, he identifies his mark, the center-back. Then, when he perceives that the goalkeeper hesitates with the ball at his feet, he focuses on pressing him, closing the passing line he has with his mark, the center-back. This pressing effort is performed while always keeping an eye on his mark and ensuring that the passing line to the goalkeeper is well covered. This defensive attitude is key to the team’s performance.
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In this play, Raphinha initiates the team's press by pressuring the goalkeeper while closing the passing line to the center back.
Conclusion
As we have seen in this article, Raphinha is demonstrating a high level of skill, thanks to his mastery of key concepts in his position that allow him to exploit his full potential. Undoubtedly, he has become one of the sensations of the brilliant start to the season for FC Barcelona.
Learn more about individual fundamentals for all positions with the Ekkono Individual Performance Secrets, which are included in all our membership plans. Find more information here.
