Barcelona is far from replicating their triumphant season from last year, when their dynamic trio of Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and Robert Lewandowski nearly achieved a quadruple.
This season, however, that once-celebrated attacking partnership has fractured. Yamal has continued to elevate his performance, while Lewandowski has faced challenges in securing a place in the starting lineup, despite Joan Laporta’s strong interest in extending his contract.
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The most significant downturn, however, has been seen in Raphinha. The Barcelona captain is not the powerhouse he was last season.
Raphinha’s Sharp Decline This Season
Last season, Raphinha was nothing short of extraordinary, wrapping up the campaign with an impressive tally of 34 goals and 26 assists.
This year, however, his scoring touch has eluded him, as he currently holds a modest record of 15 goals and 4 assists.
Raphinha is clearly not the player he was last season. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
This season, Raphinha struggles to penetrate defensive lines and lacks the precision needed to find the back of the net.
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Although his leadership continues to shine, his effectiveness in the attacking third has diminished significantly.
The main factor behind this decline seems to be a string of injuries. Raphinha has missed 13 matches so far due to physical issues, plus another two out of caution.
His sole stretch of peak performance occurred between December and the Spanish Super Cup, where he scored braces against both Athletic Club and Real Madrid, earning the MVP accolade.
Regrettably, that burst of brilliance was fleeting. Physical challenges returned in February, creating evident friction within the club’s medical and fitness teams.
With only a few months left in the season, Barcelona will be hoping for Raphinha to rediscover his lost form.