Brazil forward Raphinha will begin the new season under intense pressure at Barcelona, with his place in the club’s first-choice line-up no longer guaranteed.
Raphinha enjoyed an outstanding campaign two years ago, scoring 34 goals and providing 26 assists. At that stage, he had no genuine rival for his position in the Catalan side.
The situation has changed after a less productive season, which was affected by injuries and a relative drop in form. Raphinha finished the campaign with 21 goals and eight assists, figures that were still impressive but represented a clear decline from the previous year.
According to a report by Sport, Barcelona’s recruitment of Anthony Gordon and Jesse Bisiou has increased the pressure on Raphinha. The club could also use Karim Adeyemi on the left side, adding another potential option in the position usually occupied by the Brazilian.
Those arrivals are expected to create strong competition within Barcelona’s attack. Raphinha will now have to fight to retain his status as one of the team’s regular starters, rather than relying on his previous standing within the squad.
Marcus Rashford has departed after ultimately failing to provide a sustained challenge to Raphinha, despite recording 14 goals and 14 assists. His numbers were effective, but they did not lead to a genuine battle for the Brazilian’s place.
Barcelona’s new attacking options bring different qualities. They are noted for their intensity when pressing, their pace and their ability to score, with Gordon identified as the leading example. His arrival is likely to push Raphinha to produce his best form if he is to remain in the starting XI.
The Brazilian’s two contrasting seasons have therefore become central to the competition for places at Barcelona. His contribution from two years ago established him as an important part of the team, while last season’s injuries and reduced output have opened the door to a new challenge.
Gordon’s profile, in particular, means Raphinha is expected to face direct pressure for the position. With Bisiou also added to the squad and Adeyemi potentially able to operate on the left, Barcelona have more attacking alternatives available to them.
Raphinha enters the new campaign needing to respond on the pitch. His previous record shows he can deliver goals and assists at a high level, but the competition around him means he must now demonstrate that form again to preserve his place in Barcelona’s starting line-up.
