Bielsa hails 'gifted and spontaneous' Raphinha ahead of Villa clash

Marcelo Bielsa has hailed the impact of ‘gifted’ Raphinha ahead of Wednesday night's battle of the Brazilians.

The 25-year-old Leeds winger has scored eight Premier League goals so far this season and attracted interest from a string of clubs in last month’s transfer window, including West Ham.

But the Whites were able to keep hold of Raphinha and he will line up at Villa Park tonight against countryman Philippe Coutinho, who he started alongside in Brazil’s World Cup qualifier in Ecuador last month.

‘If there’s a player that I haven’t influenced, it’s Raphinha,’ said Leeds boss Bielsa when asked how he has improved his talisman. ‘There’s nothing that Raphinha does that I can link to me.

‘He’s a player who has natural talent, that’s spontaneous. He is superbly gifted physically. 

‘He has the talent to resolve things by inventing. He knows how to make the right decisions.

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