Rafinha shows Tottenham Hotspur what they’re missing in place of Lionel Messi

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In the summer Tottenham Hotspur were being linked with a move for Barcelona midfielder Rafinha. Catalan paper Sport suggested that Spurs were keen on the Brazilian, who had seen a permanent move to loan club Inter Milan fall apart.

The report claimed that Mauricio Pochettino was a long-term fan of the player, who was valued at €35 million (£30.1 million) by the Spanish giants.

In the end, Rafinha stuck around at Barcelona. In recent weeks, that has been a topic of debate. The arrivals of Arturo Vidal and Arthur in the summer have made Rafinha’s position even weaker at the Nou Camp. He himself recently spoke to Mundo Deportivo about a potential January exit.

But last night he showed exactly what Tottenham are missing out on.

“I will be where I am wanted, logically. Now I only have a head for these months with Barça, which is what I want. If in January they do not count on me, then the best thing for me and for them will be a way out. But I am happy here.

“I want to play football. I do not care how and where. If I am physically well I will be prepared for whatever comes.”

– Rafinha on his January intentions

Spurs drew 2-2 with PSV Eindhoven earlier in the evening, Inter and Barcelona went into battle later on.

With Lionel Messi injured, Rafinha was drafted in as a right-winger for Barca against the former loan club who decided they did not want him this summer.

He put in an excellent performance, even scoring the opener, as Barcelona won 2-0.

However, he was still pulled off in the 77th minute, as he continues to look, mostly, like a fringe player for the club. Considering he has played just 59 minutes of La Liga football, that seems a fair assumption.

Tottenham looked stilted in the centre of midfield yesterday. Eric Dier is a hard-working but somewhat limited option and Mousa Dembele seemed hellbent on fouling every player on the pitch in red-and-white. Rafinha could certainly have been useful and Spurs should continue to keep tabs on the player.