Luis Enrique congratulates Rafinha as midfielder makes his case to start

Luis Enrique congratulates Rafinha as midfielder makes his case to start

The Asturian has always had confidence in the Braizlian, who in turn is feeling more and more important 

Rafinha’s made a good start to the season as he looks to consolidate his place in the Barcelona team. Luis Enrique has always been a fan of the Brazilian, after working with him at Barça B and Celta Vigo. And Rafinha returns the confidence shown in him. His role is constantly growing and if he doesn’t have more minutes it’s because his coach controls them in a special way, aware of the physical problems which the player had last season. 

But now Rafinha is in a great moment of form and has left his injury problems behind him, which almost forced him to miss the Olympics. However, he came back from Brazil with a gold medal around his neck and his happiness is continuing. If there’s someone especially satisfied with his work, it’s Luis Enrique. After the game against Sporting Gijon, which he scored in, the Asturian congratulated him for his performance. On Wednesday in Monchengladbach, Lucho was once again delighted with his role from the bench.

The praise was given to Arda Turan, because he scored the equaliser and had another chance, but Rafinha helped change the game at a moment when another player was needed to help with retaining the ball. He knew how to adjust the rhythm and when to slow it down. He shone. 

The sensation is that Rafinha can take a leap forward this season. He’d only just landed back from Brazil when he was given minutes in Bilbao, a sign of how much Luis Enrique rates him. He started in Leganes, scoring a wonder goal. In the next game against Atletico he didn’t play as Luis Enrique didn’t want to rush him through too many matches. He returned in Gijon, playing 90 minutes and scoring again. On Wednesday, his minutes were managed again, but he came on in the second half in a key tactical change. He was on the right wing, as in Gijon. But he’s also played as a wing back this season and in midfield, too. And he’s always responded. And that’s why Luis Enrique is so happy.