Raphinha

[1964white]

Interesting that his successful pass ratio is probably one of the lowest. Shows how hard it is even for a top quality player to adapt to the Bielsa way with keeping possession being key.

He'll improve that ratio given time, he likes to move the ball quickly.

[CHAPELALLMAN]

He was brilliant against Newcastle, even if his end product was a little off the mark. His work rate is phenomenal. Would love to know how much ground he covered. Probably the most of anyone. That was my concern when we sined him. Would he buy into the work ethic. Would he track back like Costa does. Nothing to worry about.

Haven't Costa and MB allegedly fallen out over Costa not tracking back when he came on as a sub against Chelsea ?

[weasel]

He'll improve that ratio given time, he likes to move the ball quickly.

I have no doubt he will. Probably a case of sometimes playing the simple ball more often and not always looking for the killer pass that has less percentage of reaching the target. A bit like Pablo really in that Pablo's stats are sometimes very low, especially given his ability, but he is often trying the pass to unlock a defence rather than the tippy tappy passes.

However too many players all trying the glory pass would see us lose possession too much which is what I felt happened against Chelsea and especially West Ham. A case of getting the balance right and that's why Bielsa goes for evolution rather than revolution and slowly integrates new signings.

[Cjay]

Worked hard, really impressive work.rate.

Needs to do better with his end product though at times.

[danhirons]

Interesting that his successful pass ratio is probably one of the lowest. Shows how hard it is even for a top quality player to adapt to the Bielsa way with keeping possession being key.

id say this is more because he tries the creative stuff - bit like hernandez. wouldn't be surprised if hernandez has a poor pass rate.

[Fridge]

One of the few positives from yesterday’s game.

[Cjay]

Want to give Raph credit.

Again today he was our most threatening player and was unlucky not to score or get an assist

Faded 2nd half as he was forced to do more defending but i dont think he has played a game where he hasnt at least been a threat.

Thats the difference in Level to Raph and Costa and JH imo.

Raph is a threat at times in every game, those 2 have games that totally pass them by.

Well done Raph, hopefully in time we can get 2 or 3 more on his level.

[The Subhuman]

Comfortably the best non defensive player today...

[Mick Jones shoulder]

Comfortably the best non defensive player today...

Agreed, faded second half but always looks to get involved.

[Chilli D]

He would have had another assist if it hadn't been for some great defending by Bamford....

[1964white]

Raphinha vs. West Brom:

81 mins played
54 touches
30/36 successful passes
15/20 successful final third passes
6 crosses
4/4 successful long passes
4 touches in the opp. box
2 shots on-target
1 ball recovery
1 interception
1 goal

Nightmare to mark and took his goal well.

[Smudge3920]

We have so much more to come from Raph... when he cuts inside like today you know what is coming, fabulous goal.

[Boo Radley]

I was delighted that he scored, and what a goal it was. He is such a clever player and some of what he tries is high risk, looking for the killer pass and fast flicks off the outside of his boot. This probably impacts on his execution stats at the moment but when it works he really opens opponents up.

I also love his passion. His annoyance at Harrison missing the chance he set up against Burnley shows how much winning matters to him and you can’t fake that. Goals will drive him on and increase his confidence. He’s just going to grow more and more into this team and system.

[1964white]

I was texting mates saying what a sweet left peg Raph has after two long sweeping passes to his teammates & within minutes he cut inside & scored a beauty

[1964white]

We have so much more to come from Raph... when he cuts inside like today you know what is coming, fabulous goal.

Two fantastic goals so far Smudge

[CHAPELALLMAN]

I was delighted that he scored, and what a goal it was. He is such a clever player and some of what he tries is high risk, looking for the killer pass and fast flicks off the outside of his boot. This probably impacts on his execution stats at the moment but when it works he really opens opponents up.

I also love his passion. His annoyance at Harrison missing the chance he set up against Burnley shows how much winning matters to him and you can’t fake that. Goals will drive him on and increase his confidence. He’s just going to grow more and more into this team and system.

I saw him kick a post.

[SG90]

I just hope fans are allowed at games before he eventually goes to Man City.

[Fridge]

Been thinking about this guy a lot... £17m is truly mind boggling for the player that we have ended up with.

Just 23 and looking so good, I fear we may not keep onto him for too long. Should turn a brilliant profit though if that is the case.

[Cjay]

The pass to JH was class, no panic, just waited for the right time to play the ball.

3 goals and 3 assists in only just over 11 games worth of minutes.

Class act and he works his socks off to.

[1964white]

Class act, brilliant individual performance

We wouldn't have won that match tonight without Raphinha & Rodrigo