One of the most exciting signings Barcelona have made is Raphinha. A good deal in both an economic and sporting sense, and he is fitting in as expected, thanks to the dilligent tactical analysis done by the club before signing him in line with what Xavi and Jordi Cruyff, increasingly involved, want in terms of Barça’s style.
As SPORT revealed in March, Barcelona had decided they would sign Raphinha, after comparing him meticulously with Antony, signed in the end by Manchester United from Ajax.
It was Xavi and Cruyff who took charge of this analysis for who should join in the right wing spot, regardless of whether Ousmane Dembele stayed or not.
They saw Raphinha was a much more mature player, who has the collective play of the team interiorised, no doubt a consequence of playing for Bielsa at Leeds and Tite with Brazil. He sacrifices himself offensively and is utterly involved in the attack, improving the plays when the ball comes to him.
Antony, on the other hand, believes in himself more in taking players on, working with space ahead of him, disconnecting from the rest of the attack. Cruyff saw that on various visits to Amsterdam.
Both Xavi and Cruyff wanted a winger who could feature on both flanks.
Financially, there’s not too much debate to be had. Barcelona paid 58m euros, far less than the 95m that United paid to Ajax for Antony, plus 5m in variables.
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That 42m euros in difference is effectively what the club spent to bring in Robert Lewandowski - 45m euros.