Junior Firpo insists that former Leeds United winger Raphinha has the 'character' to succeed at FC Barcelona.
Firpo traded the Camp Nou for Elland Road in the summer of 2021, while Raphinha made the switch in the opposition direction 12 months later.
Raphinha initially struggled to adjust to life in Barcelona, with his difficulties leading to speculation surrounding his future during the January transfer window.
However, Xavi gave him the public vote of confidence and has provided Raphinha with the platform to prove his worth since Ousmane Dembele suffered a hamstring injury in January.
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And Firpo, who made 41 appearances for Blaugrana, believes Raphinha has the strength of mind to overcome the pressure which comes naturally with representing a club of such a high stature.
"He doesn't go there with his head down, he has a lot of character, for better and for worse. That's good because when things get tight and people have to give the their best, he is going to give it," Firpo told Spanish outlet Sport.
"Here he was the one who ran the most, sprinted and was the one who was hit the most... the one who did the most everything. Physically he is gifted, you see it and he is fine."
Raphinha scored just twice in his opening 17 appearances in La Liga, but has found the net as many times in his last four league outings.
The Brazilian international has netted five goals and five assists in his last 13 games across all competitions - averaging a goal involvement every 76 minutes.
He played a starring role in Barcelona's 2-2 draw against Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League play-off round first leg - registering a goal and an assist at the Camp Nou.
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