Add as preferred source on Google

Steve McManaman was left raving about Leeds United’s Raphinha despite the fact he ended up on the losing side on Friday night.

Leeds suffered a 1-0 defeat away to Wolverhampton Wanderers, who have narrowly beaten them in both Premier League meetings this season.

Illan Meslier’s unfortunate own goal handed Wolves the three points, who moved up to 11th in the league table above Leeds.

Despite a third loss in four games, the Whites were extremely unfortunate to end up with zero points after creating a string of chances and playing some eye-catching football at times.

Raphinha, 24, was one of the standout individuals for the Yorkshire giants, as he created chances and also saw a late header saved by in-form goalkeeper Rui Patricio.

The £28,000-a-week winger was so dangerous off the right wing cutting inside to his favoured left foot.

Pundit and ex-Premier League star McManaman singled out the Brazilian trickster after his latest individual display, describing his delivery from set-pieces as “excellent”.

“He’s been excellent all year. Today I think his set-pieces were excellent, certainly his inswingers with his left foot,” McManaman told BT Sport 1 (10:10pm, 19 February).

“He’s only a young person, it’s his first year in the Premier League, you’d expect him to get better. If anybody is a bargain nowadays, £17million is not a lot of money in football terms when you’re getting that kind of player.”

TBR’s View:

If Liam Cooper had been more accurate with his heading, Raphinha could have ended up with three assists to his name last night and his accuracy from set-pieces was almost perfect.

The £17million summer signing from Rennes has been such a welcomed addition to the Premier League with his dazzling performances, which is why he’s already a favourite at Elland Road.

Unfortunately, Leeds weren’t clinical enough against Wolves when creating opportunities.