Former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Eric Rabesandratana detailed just how Rafinha has adjusted in his first season with the French powerhouse.
Rafinha is just coming off of a promising showing in PSG’s Ligue 1 fixture against Bordeaux. The Brazilian took on the role as the central attacking midfielder and while he did not create a goal-scoring chance in the match, he did go on to complete 80 passes and won five tackle attempts.
The former Barca midfielder is now at 15 league appearances this season. And while he is not among the regular starters with PSG this season, Rabesandratana (via France Bleu) sees tremendous potential in what he could bring over the remainder of his current tenure.
“I really like this player, his style of play; he is made to integrate with players like [Leandro] Paredes and [Marco] Verratti,” Rabesandratana said. “He can give a lot of change to liven up the game in the absence of [Angel] Di Maria and Neymar. He plays forward and feels the game.
“Of course, it is not easy to join a team when you do not fit into the plans of the coach, I have known that. It’s not always easy, but I’m convinced he can help PSG. We will hope that he succeeds in changing [Mauricio] Pochettino’s plans.”
Rafinha has so far recorded four assists to go along with a 2.8 tackles won per game average in league play this season. The Brazilian is expected to be among the more reliable midfielders who Pochettino will plan to rotate in all competitions over the rest of this season.
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