Rob Green says what Leeds players told him about Raphinha at start of the season

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Rob Green has told BBC Radio 5 Live that Leeds United’s players told him at the start of the season that having played alongside Raphinha in training, they were stunned at the Brazilian’s quality following his move from Rennes.

Fast forward more than half a season, and 24-year-old wide man Raphinha has had a hand in 10 goals during his 20 Premier League appearances. The summer signing has scored five goals, while also laying on the same amount of assists.

He netted his fifth of the season on Tuesday night from a free-kick, which was the best part of 25 yards away from goal. He slammed an effort past Alex McCarthy – as Leeds returned to the top half of the table with a 3-0 win over the Saints.

Raphinha, who earns £28,000 a week at Leeds (TMW), has earned rave reviews for his performances and has even been linked with Liverpool, Manchester United and Barcelona. Ex-Leeds goalkeeper Green has told what the other Leeds players told him.

“They’ve added a few players, not many but added real quality – especially Raphinha. He is becoming the main man there now, and speaking to the players at the start of the season, they were like ‘wow, he is a different level to us’,” Green said.

TBR’s view – Can Leeds keep hold of Raphinha?

Still very young, Raphinha only signed a four-year deal last summer and the Whites are under no pressure to sell their in-form Brazilian. Certainly, the £50million investment from the 49ers is proof that Leeds are well backed at the moment.

But if a big club comes in for Raphinha offering big wages, then who can blame him if he looks to depart Elland Road? What Raphinha must consider is that Leeds are clearly a club that are on the way up – with plenty of promise.

European football could be their aim next season – and Raphinha might feel he wants to be a part of that. Time will tell.