By Adefunmiloye Alani

29th Dec, 2021 | 7:10pm

Liverpool impressed with how Raphinha has coped with the physical demands of playing for Leeds

Liverpool have watched the physical capabilities of Leeds United ace Raphinha closely ahead of a potential move, according to German outlet Spox.

The Brazilian, 25, has been one of the Whites best players under Marcelo Bielsa since he joined in the summer of 2020, and he has adapted to the hectic demands of playing in the English top-flight and for the Argentine.

Liverpool are continuing to monitor Raphinha’s progress at Leeds, and they have been impressed with how he has achieved top performances in the physically-challenging system at Elland Road.

Understandable

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp plays an explosive brand of football, and his heavy-metal style requires that players be at their best physically.

It is not as demanding as murder-ball, and the fact that Raphinha has only missed 10 Premier League games since joining Leeds from Rennes, with two coming in 2021-22, speaks volumes given the current injury situation of their squad.

The likes of Patrick Bamford, Rodrigo, Kalvin Phillips, Dan James, Luke Ayling and Liam Cooper have spent weeks on the treatment table at various periods this season, with Bielsa’s training and style obviously getting to them.

Raphinha is one of the few that have stood the test of time when it comes to surviving the Argentine’s demands, and it is normal for Liverpool to want him.

He also has the pace and technical abilities to excel at such a club, and it would not be surprising if they launch a bid when the summer transfer window opens.

Leeds could struggle to hold on to the Brazil international, and the chance to join a team offering Champions League football and major silverware will definitely be very tempting.

In other Leeds United news, Whites chiefs recently jetted out of the UK for talks.