It is easy to forget just how good Raphinha actually is.

The Brazilian winger has sometimes been placed in the category of “very good player” rather than genuinely elite footballer. Yet when you look closely at his overall game, his development, and what he brings to a top side, there is a strong argument that Raphinha deserves considerably more recognition.

Raphinha is not simply a winger who relies on pace and dribbling. His game has developed significantly, and he has become a much more complete attacking player.

More Than Just a Winger

One of Raphinha’s biggest strengths is his ability to create chances. From wide positions, particularly on the right, he can deliver dangerous crosses, cut inside, combine with teammates and find passes that unlock defensive lines.

His creativity is arguably one of the most underrated aspects of his game.

He is also capable of progressing the ball himself. Whether through carrying the ball into space, combining in tight areas or attacking transitions quickly, Raphinha gives his team multiple ways of advancing the attack.

And then there is his work without the ball.

The Pressing Is a Major Asset

Raphinha’s willingness to press is an important part of what makes him so valuable.

He does not simply wait for possession to arrive at his feet. He works defensively, pressures opponents and helps his team recover possession higher up the pitch.

For modern elite football, that matters enormously.

A winger who can provide goals and assists but also contribute defensively gives a manager far greater tactical flexibility. Raphinha’s intensity allows him to fit into systems where the front players are expected to be active both with and without possession.

His End Product Has Improved

Earlier in his career, criticism of Raphinha often centred around inconsistency and questions over his final decision-making.

But his attacking output has become increasingly convincing.

He has shown that he can contribute goals as well as assists, while remaining heavily involved in chance creation. That combination makes him much harder for defenders to handle.

The important point is that Raphinha no longer looks like a player who needs everything to go perfectly for him to influence a match.

He can create something himself.

A Big-Game Player

Another quality that deserves attention is his personality in important matches.

Raphinha has shown that he is not afraid of responsibility. He is willing to demand the ball, attack defenders, take risks and attempt to make things happen when the pressure is highest.

That mentality is particularly important for Brazil.

What He Offers Brazil

Brazil have extraordinary attacking talent, but Raphinha can still occupy an important role because his qualities complement players such as Vinícius Júnior.

Rather than simply being another player who wants to dominate the ball, Raphinha can provide width, pressing, crossing, combination play and direct attacking threat.

The potential combination of Raphinha and Vinícius gives Brazil two dynamic wide players capable of stretching defences in different ways.

An Elite Winger?

That is ultimately the question.

At his best, Raphinha should not be discussed merely as a “good winger.” His technical quality, creativity, pressing, work rate and improving end product put him firmly in the conversation among elite wide attackers.

Of course, elite players are judged by consistency, and Raphinha still has moments when his decision-making can frustrate.

But that should not obscure the bigger picture.

Raphinha is an exceptionally complete modern winger.

He can create. He can score. He can press. He can carry the ball. He can provide assists. And, importantly, he has demonstrated the personality to influence major matches.

Perhaps the biggest mistake is judging Raphinha solely by the player he was a few years ago.

He has evolved.

And maybe it is time people started giving the Brazilian the respect his performances deserve.

People really do forget just how good Raphinha is. 🇧🇷