Ian Wright ‘very disappointed’ with Raphinha for performance in Leeds United defeat
Raphinha was has to do “a lot more” for Leeds United and should have scored a key chance in the defeat to Leicester City according to Ian Wright.
The Brazilian has been a stand out performer for the Whites for most of the season but his form has dipped of late, and he was guilty of missing an excellent close range chance at the King Power Stadium, with Kasper Schmeichel blocking his finish after Junior Firpo’s cross.
The visitors eventually lost Jesse Marsch’s first game in charge thanks to a Harvey Barnes goal, and former Arsenal star Wright singled out United’s star attacker for criticism.
Speaking on Match of the Day last night (Saturday 5 March) the pundit said: “The way Leeds played, they’ve gotta take a lot from it, but for me this is the chance [saved by Schmeichel].
“I think Raphinha is somebody whose gotta do a lot more. I’m very disappointed with the way he played today. I think he’s gotta score that.
“It’s a good save but he’s gotta score that, and I think he is somebody who needs to do more. A lot more, for me.
Host Gary Lineker offered the point: “He’s got lots of ability.”
And Wright doubled down with: “Yeah, too much to be playing as poorly as he did today.”
Strong words
The 25-year-old wasn’t at his best in the early kick-off but it feels a bit harsh for him to be singled out for such strong criticism.
It is true that his performances since he returned from a successful spell of international duty have not been of the standard he set earlier in the season.
But in what has been a disastrous campaign on the whole he has represented one of the few bright spots.
Wright knows what it takes to succeed in the Premier League and clearly isn’t prepared to accept a slump in form at such a crucial stage of the season.
Raphinha has been heavily linked with a move to sides at the top of the table, with Liverpool and Chelsea both mooted as potential destinations.
It would only be human for the prospect of a big move to have crossed his mind when he is currently battling potential relegation.
But it would be no excuse for it to mean his heart is no longer in this struggle.
In other Leeds United news, Marsch was “irritated” by one starting player after the 1-0 loss.