Those that questioned Raphinha’s commitment to the Leeds United cause in recent months were shut down emphatically at the Brentford Community Stadium. The Brazil international won and scored the penalty that set the Whites on their way to a famous 2-1 victory and was at the heart of the post-match celebrations.
The outburst of emotion that he paired with his unbelievably calmly converted spot kick left no doubt as to how devoted he is to the club. Talk about a potential departure will continue to rumble on but he couldn’t have done much more to help the Whites get over the line.
It is worth remembering just how good he was in the first half of the season as he single-handedly dragged Leeds to a number of points with his trickery and his efficiency in the final third. The fact that a slight drop-off in form combined with the timing of the rumours of a potential summer move to Barcelona was purely coincidental.
Read more: Leeds United, Radrizzani, Orta, Marsch and the Bielsa shadow they are about to step out of
The height of his frustrations concerning Leeds’ drop towards the relegation zone was seen at Arsenal where his anger almost landed him in red card trouble. Was it risky? Undoubtedly. But did it highlight his commitment? Absolutely.
Whatever the level of success Raphinha enjoys in football going forward, there won’t be many situations he is involved in which hold as much significance as his penalty against Brentford. But he had earned the right to face off against David Raya after, firstly, capitalising on the Bees goalkeeper’s mistake and then forcing him to take evasive action which led to the awarding of the penalty.
A stutter that would have doubled heart rates across West Yorkshire preceded a shot exuding confidence that very few have the capability to show under such pressure. Before the ball had even nestled in the back of the net, there was an explosion of emotion from Raphinha, something even Kalvin Phillips struggled to match as the Whites stars darted towards one of the truly great Premier League away ends.
There were a few other moments of typical Samba magic throughout the game and while it may not have been his absolute best game in a Leeds shirt, it was arguably his most important. He was quick to bring his Brazilian party to the post-match celebrations as well.
With the full squad and staff dancing to the tunes of the 1,700 travelling supporters, a shirtless Raphinha wasted no time in jumping into the away end. Initially with the purpose of greeting his nearest and dearest, the 25-year-old was soon chanting with those that have come to adore him in the last two years.
No player that doesn’t want to be somewhere would immerse themselves in such a situation. No player that doesn’t want to be somewhere would show such passion and desire with his and his teammates’ backs placed firmly up against the wall.
Barcelona’s interest is going nowhere but Raphinha will have been fully aware that his chance of a move to Catalonia will have decreased with Leeds maintaining their Premier League status. If the reported £25m or £30m relegation release clause exists in his contract, a drop into the Championship would have enhanced the possibility of a big move.
For him to have put that to the back of his mind in the way that he did during his run-up to taking the penalty is seriously impressive. Scoring that goal could have scuppered his chances of a dream move to Camp Nou but helping Leeds could have been more important to him.
Regardless of how much Leeds demand for Raphinha (if he doesn’t sign a new contract), there will be a long list of interested clubs. He, like Kalvin Phillips, may want to satisfy his ambitions of playing European football which will certainly be on his mind in the knowledge that he is moving into his prime years.
Continental competition is something the Whites are looking to bring to Elland Road in the next few years but no one would begrudge Raphinha the chance to play for a Champions League or Europa League team. Although, there will still be some hope that a new contract might be tempting for the wideman with Premier League status secure.
The ambition that Jesse Marsch and those in charge at Leeds show will have to match that of the Brazilian. If he feels that the aspirations align, an extended deal might appeal to him.
Admittedly, it will be a very tall order to get a player of his quality tied down but it would be a huge statement of intent that would show what Leeds hope to achieve. The knowledge that Raphinha could be the key piece of jigsaw - alongside a couple of others – may pique his interest.
Whatever he chooses to do this summer, there shouldn’t – and won’t – be any animosity aimed towards Raphinha from Leeds fans. They know better than anyone just how good he is, and they are aware that they are not yet at the level to surround him with equally world-class players.
Even if he opts against staying at Elland Road, Raphinha has played a starring role in ensuring Leeds are best placed to maximise the profit they will make from any potential sale. He has also - more importantly - ensured that should he depart, he leaves the club as a true modern Leeds United icon.
