Rafinha: Wasted talent

Bar a late change in plans, Rafinha will leave FC Barcelona (he goes from loan to loan) to lineup for Real Betis this season. It's a move to get more minutes than what Ernesto Valverde can give him at the Camp Nou. This was the case with the previous managers at the club when Rafinfa was available - he simply didn't force his way into their plans.

No one can question Rafinha's quality. Very few players in the current squad have the talent the Brazilian possesses. So, why hasn't he succeeded at the Camp Nou? It's a mystery that not even Hercules Poirot is capable of deciphering. The youngest son of Mazinho has followed the same paths that Gerard Lopez and Motta took, to name two examples. The first was successful at Valencia but failed on his return to the Camp Nou. As for Motta, he had to leave the club in order to become an important player for PSG.

Rafinha is in a similar position. He was brilliant at Celta Vigo with Luis Enrique and shined as a starter for Inter Milan. However, at Barça, he didn't quite find his place. Injuries have played their part in his time at Barcelona and when he's been able to play - on a regular basis - he's failed to force his way into a starting spot. Now Rafinha will embark on a new chapter with a one-way ticket as no one expects him to return. They're confident that Betis will make an offer to him keep at the club.