Karen Carney impressed by quality of Raphinha’s assist in Leeds 2-2 v Brentford
Leeds United came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw against Brentford at Elland Road on Sunday, and Raphinha impressed despite not scoring.
The Brazilian provided the assist for Tyler Roberts’ opener with a perfect cross, and Karen Carney was impressed with the quality of the delivery while on punditry duties on Premier League productions.
Raphinha has now been involved in seven goals for Leeds this term, but today’s (5 December) assist was his first of the 2021-22 Premier League campaign, and it proved very crucial.
Carney said while reacting at half-time: “I think it’s all about the delivery. The first one initially gets blocked, but then Raphinha just puts it in an area where Tyler Roberts can’t miss.
“The defenders are all ducking out of it and then Roberts just gets across, but look it’s this delivery now, he’s not going to miss.
“Goes seen, unopposed and he just gets a tap on it, and it’s a great finish, but it’s all about that delivery from Raphinha.”
Best player so far?
The Brazilian secured all three points for Leeds against Crystal Palace on Tuesday (30 November), stepping up to convert the late penalty awarded to them.
He was it at again against the Bees, and Roberts would have been very grateful for the ball he delivered into the box, as all he needed to do was get any part of his body on it.
Leeds found themselves trailing 2-1 heading into the closing stages of the game, but Patrick Bamford saved the day, coming off the bench to bag a very late equaliser for the hosts.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side have missed the influence of the one-cap England international striker, and having him and Raphinha available for the games ahead is huge.
Both have been involved in 11 league goals between themselves so far, and that says a lot about their quality.
With games against the current top-three and Arsenal next, Leeds need to have their key players around to have a chance of getting something from the games, and the presence of Raphinha and Bamford in their attack would come in very handy.
In other Leeds United news, a major update on Whites January bid to sign attacker has been provided, with pen-to-paper imminent.