Phil Hay shares what Raphinha did v Watford before jetting off to Brazil duty
Leeds United superstar Raphinha finally got his wish this week as he jetted off to represent Brazil for the first time.
The Brazilian winger missed out last month due to COVID-19 rules and has been struggling with an injury between these call-ups.
Phil Hay noticed after the Watford game that Raphinha fell to the turf and looked exhausted at Elland Road after yet another stellar performance.
Writing for the Athletic this week, Hay shared what he saw the winger do as Elland Road went crazy for the first three points of the season.
“At full-time, the stadium went up and Raphinha went down, knackered and crouching on the turf,” he wrote.
“Some of his touches were like silk but his legs made a difference defensively too, helping pen Watford in. Raphinha, like the rest, picked up his shovel and dug as deep as he could. And Leeds came out the other side.”
Concern?
Many may say that Raphinha was just tired as we have seen in recent weeks, but with that injury hanging over his head, we hope he doesn’t overdo it this week.
Playing for your country is the dream of almost every single footballer, but should Raphinha pick up trouble with that problem again as he looks to impress, he could return sidelined.
That is the last thing Marcelo Bielsa needs.
Raphinha has been all smiles as he starts training with his country this week, and we are delighted that his reaction at full-time against Watford was simply tired legs.
Fingers crossed, it remains that way over the next two weeks and he is given clearance to return early to feature against Southampton.
In other Leeds United news, John Percy shares a huge Kalvin Phillips contract update as the Whites close in on a breakthrough