Andy Hinchcliffe thrilled by Leeds winger Raphinha at HT v Aston Villa
Andy Hinchcliffe was thrilled by Leeds United winger Raphinha in the first half of the Premier League clash against Aston Villa on Saturday.
The Brazilian didn’t have as much of an influence as he did against Southampton but did catch the eye with two moments of skill.
After trapping the ball in midfield, Raphinha burst into the final third before twisting and turning John McGinn inside and out in the Villa area, winning a corner.
Speaking during live commentary of the game on Sky Sports, Hinchcliffe was thrilled by the Brazilian during the first-half at Elland Road.
“He’s a class act,” he said. “He was unplayable.
“It’s an unbelievable piece of skill. The way he kills the ball in the first instance is hard enough to do, his movement off the ball, his first touch.
“He’s never off-balance, he can go left and right; it’s just a defensive nightmare coming up against him.”
Raphinha has been one of the best signings in the Premier League this season, not just at Elland Road since arriving from Rennes.
The South American looks a class above most in this Whites squad, and this is the calibre of signing we are excited to welcome over the summer.
According to WhoScored, Raphinha actually completed more dribbles in the opening 45 minutes than the rest of the Leeds squad combined.
Marcelo Bielsa and Victor Orta have unravelled a gem with this signing, and hopefully, he will continue to get even better as he gets more experience in the Premier League.
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