Rafinha Alcantara

[CuleLife4Life]

Rafinha and Bernard play different positions so it hard to compare them.

Bernard is actually very talented. He just had no business being at the WC this year and his career is derailing in Ukraine. They guy is benched by 3/4 other Brazilians at Shakthar.

I can see Rafinha getting callups for the Brazil squad only because Dunga's entire coaching staff played with Rafinha's father and the CBF is all about calling up players based on things not involving football.

 

[DonAndres]

I wasn't impressed with his game against Nice but the reasons behind it indicate that it's a complete non-issue.

First, our midfield hardly had proper transition to the forwards due to Roberto's anonymity. They were isolated and we looked disconnected in several zones. Long balls and quick counters are the only way that our attack was at all involved.

Second, and more specific to Rafinha, he is completely uncomfortable in that deep lying forward role. He is playing with his back towards the goal and his movement is restricted entirely. I remember the other time he played in that position for Barcelona was in the Copa Catalunya in 12/13, he had the exact same issue. It's against his nature to play with his back towards the goal. In midfield he'd be roaming everywhere: going back to get the ball, moving between the lines, and making attacking maneuvers/dribbles. I hope he gets some time in that position soon.

 

[DonAK]

I want a midfield of Samper - Busi - Rafinha given a try once.

 

[BarcaJack]

I want a midfield of Samper - Busi - Rafinha given a try once.

Or maybe Samper - Raki - Rafinha? :barca scarf:

 

[Zangash]

Or maybe Samper - Raki - Rafinha? :barca scarf:

Whenever we don't use Busi as CDM we generally lose or tie the game unless it's an easy squash match. Even then, we lost a couple without him there last season that should have been easy.

 

[KingMessi]

Or maybe Samper - Raki - Rafinha? :barca scarf:

Why would you play Rakitic at DM? Or do you mean Rakitic-Samper-Rafinha, with Samper at DM? I want to see a Samper-Busquets double pivot in action.

 

[Ghost]

The better Alcantara brother, by far.

Not even a Thiago hater.

 

[JamDav1982]

The better Alcantara brother, by far.

Not even a Thiago hater.

No hes not and a friendly against Helsinki doesnt change that.

Rafinha still has a lot to prove to show he can be at Barca long term.

 

[linetty]

The better Alcantara brother, by far.

Not even a Thiago hater.

Maybe but definitely not by far.

 

[Ini8]

The better Alcantara brother, by far.

Not even a Thiago hater.

Just no. At least let him play a full season with the first team before you come up with a statement like that.

 

[ThwiX]

The better Alcantara brother, by far.

Not even a Thiago hater.

Right now, he's not even close to Thiago.

 

[Galning]

that's what we call jumping to conclusions.

 

[BarcaVillain]

The better Alcantara brother, by far.

Not even a Thiago hater.

That's like the guy who said Samper has a 'higher ceiling' than Busquets. I like Samper, as I like Rafinha, it's just far too early to make those kind of assertions.

 

[Antimadridista1]

Thiago is more skilled, and has a better vision.
If I had to choose, I'd pick Thiago. But Rafinha is a great prospect as well.

 

[Trickykid]

Thiago has two whole years on his baby brother, obviously he's the more finished article. With that said, Rafinha impresses me just as much as Thiago did at that age. Different players, though, but the beauty of it all is just how alike like they look with the ball at their feet.


...it just makes me that bit more sad, that we'll never see them both in Blaugrana again.