Barcelona manager Xavi has claimed that Raphinha is the "future" of the club despite the former Leeds United star coming under serious criticism during his time in Spain.
Since leaving Elland Road last summer, it is safe to say that Raphinha has had a tough start to life as a Barcelona player. The Brazilian has scored three goals in 18 La Liga appearances for his new club and has started less than half of their top-flight matches this term.
Despite only arriving at the Nou Camp last summer, Raphinha's future at the club has already been called into question - with reports even linking him with a move back to the Premier League to join Manchester United. However, Xavi has now leapt to the defence of his forward after he broke the deadlock in Barcelona's 2-1 win over Real Betis on Wednesday night.
