23-year-old Barcelona star hails Raphinha after Brazilian scores second straight hattrick: ‘He is very good’

23-year-old Barcelona star hails Raphinha after Brazilian scores second straight hattrick: ‘He is very good’ Barcelona have started the new season with eight straight wins across all competitions, winning seven out of seven in La Liga . The Catalan club faced Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan in a difficult away fixture and managed to win 3-1 . It was not exactly a vintage performance from Barça , but a hat-trick from Raphinha ensured Flick’s team kept their perfect record intact going into the first international break. The Brazilian’s No. 9 arc has been a revelation, and even team-mates like Fermin Lopez have been taken aback by his start to the season. Fermin surprised by Raphinha’s transformation As quoted by Mundo Deportivo , Raphinha is now on 12 La Liga goals after just seven matches, and Fermin spoke in awe of his performance. “Raphinha is surprising us a little because he had never played as a No.9,” Fermin said after the game. Raphinha’s number nine arc has taken everyone by surprise. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images) “He is very good and can adapt to any position in attack. We give him the ball and he puts it in.” Raphinha’s evolution as a No. 9 has become one of Hansi Flick’s most interesting tactical developments. His move to the middle has been fascinating. He does not operate like a conventional target man. His movement, pressing and willingness to attack space allow Barça ’s other forwards to interchange around him. It has reached a stage where everything he seems to touch in the penalty area is turning into gold. Barcelona’s pressing brings results Fermin was also pleased with the collective work behind Barça ’s perfect start, with the victory in Seville making it seven wins from seven before the international break. “Our objective was to go into the international break as leaders with a perfect record, and we’re very happy,” Fermin said. “What the coach asks from us is to press after losing the ball. We all go together, and we’re happy with the work we’re doing.” Flick is not simply asking his No. 9 to finish moves. The entire attacking structure depends on coordinated pressure and aggressive reactions when possession is lost. Fermin is elated to be back in the Spain setup. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) Fermin also touches upon Spain return It was also a significant night personally for Fermin, who has now earned his return to the Spain squad after missing out on the World Cup through injury. “I’m very happy to return to the national team,” he said. “It was very hard not to go to the World Cup. I’ve started the season well and I’m happy to return to the national team.” Fermin was unfortunate not to become a World Cup winner back in the summer, but he has not let that disappointment affect him. The 23-year-old is not the only one in awe of Raphinha’s emergence this season, and it remains to be seen how long the Brazilian is able to sustain it this campaign.