Brazil defender Thiago Silva has hailed Leeds United star and compatriot Raphinha following another eye-catching performance at international level from the 24-year-old.
The Lowdown: Raphinha shines again for Brazil
Raphinha was handed his Brazil debut on Friday night and he made an immediate impression, registering two assists in the 3-1 win over Venezuela.
He was used as a substitute once more in his country’s 0-0 draw with Colombia but again caught the eye in the second half, producing one dazzling run in particular.
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The Latest: Huge praise from Silva
Someone who knows a thing or two about how to be a success for club and country is Silva, who has won 98 caps for the Selecao, becoming a legendary figure along the way, while also helping Chelsea to Champions League glory last season.
Speaking after the Colombia game [via Yorkshire Evening Post], the 37-year-old waxed lyrical over the Leeds man and Ajax striker Antony, paying them enormous praise as he said:
“If we had managed to win, we would be talking more about them.”The [two] boys showed a quality that I have hardly seen in more than ten years with the Brazilian national team [of newcomers]. It’s really cool to see Raphinha and Antony showing personality.
“In terms of rapport [with the rest of the team], it’s a little lacking, but the individual [performance] is at a high level.”
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The Verdict: Special talent
The fact that a player of Silva’s standing is so complimentary about Raphinha says all you need to know about what a great talent Leeds fans can enjoy watching every week.
He is undoubtedly one of the most influential players at Elland Road – he has nine goals and nine assists in 38 appearances for the club – and the Whites are going to find it increasingly difficult to keep hold of him moving forward if the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United renew their reported interest in him.
The early signs suggest that a huge international career awaits him and Leeds fans must enjoy him while they can, should he eventually be lured to another club.
In other news, Southampton could be without a key player against Leeds this weekend. Find out who it is here.