"For his bravery and his way of playing" - Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone names Barcelona star who is 'one of the best players in La Liga'
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has named Barcelona superstar Raphinha as one of the finest players in La Liga this season. The Argentine made the comment ahead of his side's clash with the Catalan giants this weekend.
Matchday 19 of the 2024-25 La Liga season will see Barcelona play host to Atletico Madrid at their temporary home ground at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys today (Saturday December 21). This encounter promises to be huge as the two sides currently trail each other closely at the top of the table.
Meanwhile, in-form Raphinha is undoubtedly one of the key players to keep an eye on during the match. With three goals to his name in his last four outings, the Brazilian will pose a big threat to Atletico Madrid.
Such has the been the brilliance of the Barcelona forward that Diego Simeone couldn't help but name him among the best players in the Spanish top flight so far during the campaign.
"We’re facing a team that is playing very well, I like the youth they have in the middle of the pitch with kids who play very good football," the tactician told Mundo Deportivo.
"Raphinha is one of the best players in La Liga – for his bravery and his way of playing,” he added.
It goes without mentioning that Raphinha has experienced a tremendous transformation at Barcelona this season. So far, he's made 24 appearances for the Catalan giants across all competitions, recording 17 goals and 10 assists to his name.
That includes 11 goals and eight assists in 18 La Liga games, as well as six goals and two assists in six Champions League outings.
How Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have fared in La Liga this season
Despite a shocking dip in form in recent weeks, Barcelona continue to top the table in the Spanish top flight. The Catalan giants have bagged 38 points from 18 games so far, having recorded 12 victories, two draws and four defeats to their name. They've also scored 50 goals and conceding 20 in the process.
Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, follow the Blaugrana closely in the rankings. The Rojiblancos currently have as many points as Hansi Flick's side, plus a game in hand, which could potentially send them to the top of the table. Diego Simeone's side have bagged 11 wins, five draws and one loss so far, scoring 31 goals and letting in 11.
Meanwhile, it is worth noting that defending champions Real Madrid are also in the title race this season. The Merengues are currently ranked third in the table with 37 points from 17 games. It remains to be seen how the standings will look come the end of the campaign.