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Matty Hewitt

Former Leeds United prospect now reaping rewards after hitting form in Portugal

Former Leeds United youngster Rafa Mujica is currently impressing in Portugal just over 12 months after leaving Elland Road. The Spanish striker arrived at Thorp Arch from the prestigious La Masia academy in Barcelona but would not be able to force his way into the first-team set-up under Marcelo Bielsa.

Mujica signed a three-year deal at the Whites after impressing for Barcelona B, scoring ten goals in 60 appearances across a three year spell. The Spaniard would have a number of loan spells away from Elland Road before joining his hometown club Las Palmas on a permanent deal in 2021.

He would spend just over a year at the second tier Spanish club, moving to Portugal to sign for FC Arouca, competing against the likes of Benfica, FC Porto and Sporting. The now 23-year-old has scored three times in seven appearances for his new club, equating for 50 per cent of their current goals.

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The move is Mujica's first spell in top flight football, despite being tipped as a hot prospect in his youth. It looks as though the forward has finally found his level after being named WhoScored’s Star Man on two occasion in a side at the bottom end of the table.

He's scored against Santa Clara and Gil Vicente in the Portuguese outfits two wins of the season.

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