‘I really like him’ – Real Madrid star claims Barcelona’s Raphinha ‘doesn’t get the recognition he deserves’

Real Madrid star Thibaut Courtois has this week made known his appreciation for the talents of Barcelona star Raphinha. This of course comes in the thick of the most productive stretch of form of the Brazilian’s career to date.

Frontman Raphinha has spent the early weeks of the new season establishing himself as arguably the standout player in all of world football.

Across eight appearances between La Liga and the Champions League, the former Leeds United man has racked up a remarkable 17 direct goal contributions.

Taking to the pitch in a new central role, and with the added weight of Barcelona’s captain’s armband, Raphinha has responded in the most impressive manner imaginable.

And as alluded to above, such ongoing excellence has not gone at all unnoticed on the part of a star member of the first-team ranks on the other side of the Clásico divide.

Speaking during an interview with Onda Cero, as cited by Diario Sport, this week, Real Madrid No.1 Thibaut Courtois admitted:

“I really like Raphinha; he’s a key piece for Barça. When he hasn’t been there, I think they’ve struggled a lot, and when he is, they’re playing well.

“He doesn’t always get the recognition he deserves. We’ll have to stop him in a month’s time.”

‘I really like him’ – Real

Conor Laird – GSFN