Raphinha makes his case to take charge of free kicks for Barça
The Brazilian once again showed his great quality in striking from range as Barça continues their search for a specialist following the departure of Leo Messi last summer
FC Barcelona winger Raphinha yet again put on a show that highlighted his quality. After good displays against Inter Miami and Real Madrid, the forward hit the woodwork with a powerful shot from a set piece against Juventus.
The Brazilian, whose arrival increased the competition on the wing and raised the bar for the Spanish team, enjoyed a clear chance to score again with an accurate shot from the edge of the box, and only a slight deflection from Perín prevented a goal.
The former Leeds United player has a great ability to shoot from medium to long range. The control, power and precision of his strikes make him a serious and solid candidate for free kicks the coming season. Now without Leo Messi, the team needs someone to make the most of set pieces, and the player represented by Deco has put his hand up.
Raphinha has already shown in England what he is capable of from long range. During his time at Yorkshire County, he scored seven goals from out of the box over the course of last two seasons in the Premier League. Only Southampton and England deadball specialist James Ward-Prowse has managed a higher tally (9) during the same period.
