Ancelotti lavishes praise on Barcelona captain Raphinha: ‘He is doing spectacular things’

Ancelotti lavishes praise on Barcelona captain Raphinha: ‘He is doing spectacular things’ Looking at Raphinha’s performances this season, Brazil and Carlo Ancelotti will be ruing missing out on his services during the World Cup. However, as we approach the first international break of the season, Ancelotti will have the luxury of having Raphinha at his disposal. And it appears the former Real Madrid coach is already excited, having heaped praise on the forward’s performances in these early parts of the campaign. Ancelotti hails Raphinha Speaking ahead of Brazil’s friendly against Australia, Ancelotti singled out Raphinha for his outstanding form, particularly given he has been operating out of position as a false nine for Barcelona. Raphinha has been unstoppable this season. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images) “Obviously, Raphinha is doing spectacular things in a position that wasn’t his natural one, but it seems like it is,” he said (h/t SPORT ). The praise is thoroughly deserved, with Raphinha having enjoyed a sensational start to the season and ranking second in the European Golden Boot race . The Brazilian has racked up 14 goals in just eight matches across all competitions, thriving in the central role handed to him by Hansi Flick following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres. Ancelotti has clearly taken note, wasting little time in restoring the Barcelona captain to his starting eleven for this new cycle. Raphinha, who has already joined up with the Brazil squad and completed his first training session in Australia, is set to start against the Socceroos. A key figure for Brazil’s future Raphinha will play a key role in Brazil transition. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images) For Ancelotti, Raphinha is very much part of his long-term plans as Brazil look to rebuild towards the 2030 World Cup. The Italian is overseeing a period of transition for the Selecao , blending experience with a host of promising young talents. Raphinha is a key figurehead in that transition. His remarkable form for Barcelona has only strengthened his standing within the national setup, and Ancelotti will be hoping the 29-year-old can carry that scoring touch onto the international stage. For Barcelona, meanwhile, the concern will be ensuring their talisman returns from the gruelling trip in good shape, as the club simply cannot risk having their star man injured at this crucial juncture of the campaign.