Former Arsenal and Brazil midfielder Gilberto Silva has said that former Leeds United winger Raphinha will 'do a good job' at Barcelona despite his early struggles after leaving Elland Road.
The Brazilian has scored just twice in his 13 league matches so far this season but was chosen by Brazil's national team manager Tite as part of their 26-man 2022 World Cup squad for this year's tournament.
Earlier this season, Raphinha was labelled 'the worst' player on the pitch by two separate Italian outlets after his performance for the Spanish giants against Inter Milan in the Champions League - a competition Barca would eventually be knocked out of in the group stage.
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Speaking to Spanish outlet Marca earlier this week, Silva highlighted his experience in the Premier League as a key reason for his eventual success in La Liga.
"He is a good player. Now he is in a big team like Barcelona that is different from Leeds, who are also important in England. He has left English football after many years and is ripe to do a good job in Barcelona."
Raphinha is set to be in the matchday squad against Serbia on Thursday, November 24 but whether he'll be given the nod by Tite over the likes of Manchester United's Antony and Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. remains to be seen.
The 25-year-old's goal return for his country has been better than many, having found the net five times and managed four assists in 11 senior appearances with over half of those goal involvements coming in their World Cup qualification campaign - including a brace against historic rivals Uruguay.
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