Tony Dorigo has criticism for Leeds United favourite Raphinha

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Raphinha has been the toast of Leeds United supporters over the past week after his stunning winner against Everton at Goodison Park last Saturday – but Leeds icon Tony Dorigo has told LUTV that he needs to improve in one area.

Raphinha, 23, earned just his second Leeds start against Everton and he took full advantage. Picking up the ball from Jack Harrison, 20 yards out, he lashed home a beautiful strike through Ben Godfrey’s legs into the bottom corner.

The Brazilian ace scored the only goal of the game, helping Leeds climb into a much more comfortable 12th place. After 10 games, Leeds have a decent 14 points – having already played Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Leicester City.

However, despite Raphinha being a favourite among Leeds supporters at the moment, Dorigo has noticed one area in which the former Rennes winger can improve. He feels Raphinha needs to work on his defensive duties, but praised the attacker.

“Defensively, I still think he’s got a little bit of work to do,” Dorigo said, when asked about Raphinha. “If he does that, he will get Marcelo Bielsa’s complete blessing. Against Arsenal, two or three times, Kieran Tierney ran beyond him.

“When you go man for man, you cannot have that. However, against Everton, I thought he was fantastic. He did track back, but more importantly, he was a threat going forward – left, right and in the middle. He’s taken his opportunity with both hands.”

TBR’s view – Raphinha adds sparkle Leeds need in Premier League

Jack Harrison is a good winger, capable of creating chances. Mateusz Klich works his socks off and can both score and create, while Helder Costa – the man Raphinha has replaced – has bags of pace. But none can do what Raphinha can.

The Brazilian hands Leeds a bit of magic, some South American flair that is required to shine in the Premier League. Raphinha adds the ability to do something no-one expects, and he is only going to get better under Marcelo Bielsa.