Newcastle United left-back Paul Dummett made his return against Watford, but will be coming up against one of the Premier League’s best in Raphinha on Saturday.
There is no denying that Emmanuel Dennis has been a revelation for the Hornets since coming to the Premier League this summer.
But coming up against Marcelo Bielsa’s talismanic winger is going to be a completely different proposition for Dummett.
The one-v-one battle between the 30-year-old and the Brazilian international could have a huge bearing on Saturday’s result at Elland Road. Leeds will be without star striker Patrick Bamford though.
Having the Wales international back in the fold and able to make his first appearance of the season was a big boost for Eddie Howe, but he may need some help and cover when coming up against the vastly talented Raphinha.
The 25-year-old has eight goals and two assists from 18 Premier League games so far this season, which is an impressive return.
But since arriving at Leeds from Ligue 1 side Rennes last summer, the Brazilian is averaging a goalscoring contribution in every other game for the Whites.
From 50 appearances, Raphinha has 14 goals and 11 assists. Only Jamie Vardy (9), Diogo Jota (10) and Mohamed Salah (16) have scored more goals in the Premier League this season than the man who has been capped five times for Selecao.
He is currently averaging 3.1 shots per game, which can only be bettered by Harry Kane (3.3), Cristiano Ronaldo (3.5) and Salah (4), according to WhoScored.
Raphinha looks to be in the form of his life currently. He is also averaging 2.1 key passes and 2.3 dribbles per game, which also places him in the league’s top six, in both categories.
It may have been Jack Harrison who grabbed the headlines on Sunday after scoring a hat-trick in the 3-2 win against West Ham, but it was Raphinha who was at the heart of everything.
He made eight key passes alone in the clash against the Hammers and also hit the post from a free-kick, as well as having another assist ruled out by VAR. He ran the game from start to finish.
Unlike David Moyes’ side, Howe’s going to have to come up with a game-plan to ensure Dummett nullifies Raphinha, because if we him give time and space on the ball to weave his South American magic he will punish us.
If the former Bournemouth manager does start Allan Saint-Maximin on the left then the Frenchman will have to help his left-back defensively and track back.
Having Joelinton to the left of the midfield three will also give Dummett greater protection.
But there maybe times in the match where it gets stretched and Paul Dummett is isolated against Raphinha, and that’s where the game could be decided.
Dion Dublin has claimed that Raphinha is a ‘genius to watch’ when playing for Leeds United, as he told PL Productions (17/01/22 at 12:35 pm).
The Magpies need the academy star to stand up to what is one of the toughest challenges in the Premier League currently.
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