Brazilian winger Raphinha is looking forward to the extra competition at Barcelona following the arrival of Manchester United outcast Marcus Rashford this summer.
Raphinha enjoyed the best personal campaign of his career last season and is currently in the mix when fans debate about their potential Ballon d’Or winner for 2025.
In contrast, Rashford endured a challenging first half of the 24/25 campaign at Manchester United but went on to show some signs of life when shipped out on loan for the second half of the season.
The England international has since sealed a dream move to Barcelona and his preferred position on the pitch is the same left wide area where Raphinha thrived last season, producing 34 goals and 22 assists.
However Raphinha is welcoming the fresh challenge for a place in Hansi Flick’s setup, insisting that such competition is necessary for a club aiming to achieve sustained success.
“When you play with this jersey, with this club, you need to be prepared for all the competition that there is,” the Brazil international told SPORT.
“In my opinion, the more competition we have, the better. It means that one helps the other progress and that is the most important thing if we want to win titles.”
Given his incredible contributions to Barcelona’s domestic treble success last season, it’s difficult to see Raphinha losing his place in Flick’s starting XI right off the bat.
However, Rashford is a player of immense talent and if he can hit the heights of that sensational 23/24 season at Manchester United, then he could potentially stake his own claim for a starting spot as the season progresses.
Olaoluwa is a dedicated sports writer and passionate football enthusiast with two years of experience. Known for his keen analysis and commitment to the game, his work reflects a deep love for football, blending strategic insight with the emotional moments that make it a global passion. He is focused on honing his skills and consistently aims to inspire and engage readers through every article he writes.
