Robinson: Raphinha could play as striker v Fulham
Paul Robinson believes that Raphinha can play through the middle as a striker for Leeds United and that he could be employed there on Friday against Fulham.
Leeds are sweating on the fitness of Patrick Bamford after the striker limped out of the game against Chelsea following a collision with Antonio Rudiger.
Robinson said this was a “huge blow” for Leeds, both for that game and the Fulham clash if he doesn’t recover in time.
He thinks that Rodrigo would normally be first-choice replacement but he was subbed as a sub in the Chelsea game as he searches for full match fitness following injury.
Talking exclusively to MOT Leeds News Robinson said, “Bielsa has options on Friday.
“If Bamford is out I think Rodrigo will start there, but if he isn’t fit then it’s Raphinha or Tyler Roberts.
“I don’t think that Joe Gelhardt is ready yet.
“The way Raphina has played this season, he’s undoubtedly the bargain of the summer in the Premier League.
He’s the Leeds player of the season so far for me and it will be fascinating to see what he can do through the middle.
“The Chelsea game was tough for him but it was a decent result. It wasn’t the sort of game for Raphinha to shine in but the manager will be delighted with how it turned out against a very good side.
“Losing Bamford was obviously a huge blow for Leeds and he’s a vital player for the side.”
Some Leeds fans have been talking about the possibility of Raphinha developing into a striker, in the same way Thierry Henry did at Arsenal.
He can finish and he’s got the pace and skills that would make him more than a handful for any defence.
Going against this is that he doesn’t really fit the Bamford role that Bielsa wants from his number nine.
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