€80m Barcelona ace tipped for key role under Carlo Ancelotti | OneFootball

The 2024/25 campaign of FC Barcelona under Hansi Flick has been nothing short of spectacular. With a domestic treble secured and a brand of attacking football that has thrilled fans, the Catalan club has not only returned to winning ways but done so in style, scoring goals in abundance along the way.

One of the most decisive players in the Barcelona squad this season has undoubtedly been Raphinha. The Brazilian winger, who almost had one step out of the door back in the summer, has emerged as one of the biggest game-changers in world football this season.

Both for club and country, the 28-year-old has been in superb form this season, scoring some clutch goals and providing important assists. In 55 games across all competitions, he has scored 34 goals and provided 25 assists.

Raphinha – the game changer

Raphinha has been an absolute game-changer this season. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)

Now, as per SPORT, the €80 million-rated star is tipped for a key role under Carlo Ancelotti. The current Real Madrid manager is set to leave his job at the end of the season and is set to take over as the new manager of the Brazilian national team.

His first assignment in charge of the Selecao will be the two World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay early in June. The Italian tactician is tipped to line up with a front-line of Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, and Raphinha for the same.

There is still an air of doubt and anticipation on what formation Ancelotti will use for Brazil and how he envisions the position and utilisation of Raphinha. The Barcelona star man is a Swiss-Knife who can be used well in multiple areas on the pitch.

Swiss-Knife

Raphinha is set to unite with Carlo Ancelotti for the national team. (Photo by Edilzon Gamez/Getty Images)

If Ancelotti decides to line up in a 4-3-3, it could see Vinicius on the left, Raphinha on the right, and Rodrygo through the middle. Alternatively, he could choose to go with a 4-2-3-1 that would see the Barcelona star operate as a number 10.

Carlo Ancelotti has seen firsthand just how devastating Raphinha can be. In the four Clasico games this season, he has played a part in 7 of the 16 goals that his team has scored, and the Italian will hope for the winger to do the same for his team for a change.

For both club and country, this could be the beginning of Raphinha’s defining years. And after the season he’s had, there’s every reason to believe the best is yet to come.