Jermaine Beckford lauds Leeds United star Raphinha following Palace display

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Former Leeds United striker, Jermaine Beckford, was full of praise for summer signing Raphinha this week, after the winger produced the goods against Crystal Palace.

Raphinha has slowly worked his way into being one of the first names on Marcelo Bielsa’s teamsheet this season. Helder Costa has been shunted down the pecking order and the new Leeds signing is really starting to show his class.

The Brazilian was in fine form against Palace, as Leeds cruised to a 2-0 win to cement their comfortable position in the PL table.

And former Elland Road favourite Beckford, speaking to Leeds Live, was seriously impressed with Raphinha’s display.

“I enjoyed it, I’m not going to lie. Raphinha, especially, what a player. He was full of energy last night, full of enthusiasm,” Beckford said.

“Every time he picked the ball up he was so direct in his decision making, his movements. I started feeling bad for the full-backs and for the defenders of Crystal Palace because he was just relentless. Every time he picked the ball up he was just causing issues constantly.”

Raphinha has started to add end product to his bits of skill in wide areas, too. In the last four games, he scored twice and laid on another two, helping Leeds to three wins from four.

TBR View: What a signing, Leeds will do well to keep Raphinha to be honest

Not many knew much about Raphinha when he signed in the summer but it’s safe to say everyone does now.

He is looking better by the week and his ability to glide past defenders out wide is becoming a real concern for even the best defenders the Premier League has to offer.

Liverpool are already said to be monitoring him. And it’s little surprise to be honest, given his displays of late.