Leeds United winger Raphinha has been named in Garth Crooks’ latest Premier League team of the week for BBC Sport.
Raphinha provided the assist for Joe Gelhardt’s stoppage time winner in the 2-1 victory over Norwich City on Sunday as the Whites ended a run of six consecutive defeats.
The Brazilian has not been at his best for Leeds in recent weeks but showed his class by keeping his composure and squaring the ball to Gelhardt after rounding Tim Krul.
He was also a constant thorn in the Norwich side throughout the afternoon, twice seeing shots crash off the woodwork with the score at 1-0.
It was a return of form for Raphinha at the most crucial time for Leeds, with the battle to beat the drop heating up by the week.
In the eyes of former boss Marcelo Bielsa, Raphinha’s form had dropped off so significantly that he was dropped to the bench for the clash against Manchester United last month.
However, when discussing his team of the week on BBC Sport, Crooks believes that moments like yesterday show how strange of a decision that was by Bielsa.
He said: “What a game this was, and it had Elland Road jumping as a consequence. Norwich played their part and on another day might have got a point out of this match.
“However, it took the magic of Raphinha to inspire not just the team but the crowd. The Brazilian hit the woodwork on two occasions and provided the assist for Joe Gelhardt to seal their victory in the 94th minute.
“To think Marcelo Bielsa left Raphinha out of the game against Manchester United a few weeks ago. It might not have affected the result but you don't leave players of his quality on the bench when you're fighting for points to stay in the league.”
