Joe Cole believes Leeds United playmaker Raphinha is the most talented player in the Premier League relegation battle.
The Whites’ talisman has bagged eight goals for Marcelo Bielsa’s side this season while emerging as a key player for Brazil - forging a fearsome attack alongside Man City’s Gabriel Jesus and Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar.
However, with Patrick Bamford spending most of the campaign on the sidelines, Raphinha has had to carry the burden of Leeds’ attacking hopes almost single-handedly.
Former Chelsea midfielder Cole applauded the Brazilian maverick before Leeds’ 3-3 draw with Aston Villa on Wednesday.
“(He’s a) proper talent,” he told BT Sport.
“I think this lad is as good a player out of any of the bottom six teams. I think he's probably the most talented and there’ll be plenty of suitors for him.
“He’s come to the Premier League, he’s scored goals, assists, (had) involvements - he’s a real technician. He’s a real pleasure to watch.”
Raphinha attracted interest from Liverpool last summer with his agent, former Barcelona star Deco, admitting that his client has ambitions to play at a higher level.
Cole expects top clubs to be in for the 25-year-old if he does wish to leave Elland Road this summer.
“There won’t be another player from the bottom six or seven teams more sought after than him come the end of the season,” he added.
“I think if you put him in a team in the top eight, his levels will go up even more.”
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