Raphinha opens up on his best position in attack: “I don’t mind competing with Dembele”

After a heated transfer saga, Raphinha rejected a move to Chelsea in favour of Barcelona. It caused friction between several of the parties involved, including the Blues and Leeds United, but it was the ‘dream move’ for the Brazilian.

However, it has not gone quite as planned for Raphinha so far, who has scored just one goal and given two assists over the course of 12 appearances in the league.

While part of the reason is him competing with Ousmane Dembele for the right-wing position, a lot also has to do with him still adapting to Barcelona.

Speaking to SER, Raphinha mentioned his conversation about Xavi and how playing him on the right-wing is one of the ways to get the most out of him.

“I spoke with Xavi, and I told him I would like to play in the position I can contribute the most – which is right-wing. I cannot contribute more on the left side,” he said.

Competition with Dembele does not quite faze him, Raphinha says, “I don’t mind competing with Dembe for the position, I love it.”

The 25-year-old has stated time and again that playing for Barcelona has been his dream. He halted a huge move to Chelsea in the summer despite Leeds reaching an agreement with the London outfit.

As such, it is not a surprise that he claimed that he would ‘reject’ any move Real Madrid made for him – ‘hypothetically’ speaking.

“Playing for Barcelona has been my dream since childhood, I did everything to come here,” he added.

Raphinha is expected to start in attack tonight as Barcelona take on Osasuna away from home. A win here would cement their position on top of the league following Real Madrid’s 2-3 loss against Rayo Vallecano last night.