Journalist says Leeds player "can add that X-Factor", he suffered bizarre moment under Bielsa

Raphinha can give Leeds United that “X-factor” under Jesse Marsch, says journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The 25-year-old did not complete the full 90 minutes in a couple of Marcelo Bielsa’s last few fixtures in charge, but O’Rourke is backing him to become a mainstay again.

Raphinha has not been as impactful as he was earlier in the season, with the winger being dragged off at half-time in the 3-0 defeat to Everton last month.

On his decision to withdraw him in that game despite Leeds needing to score, Bielsa said (via MailOnline): “He is not injured. I decided that Daniel James should take over his role on the right and Tyler Roberts take over in the centre.”

The following match, a 4-2 loss against rivals Manchester United, Raphinha was left on the bench but came on to score and make it 2-2, a swift reminder of his quality after that difficult outing at Goodison Park.

Marsch will now be hoping for more of the same as Leeds battle to beat the drop under their new manager.

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O’Rourke thinks Marsch has no choice but to include someone like Raphinha in his team regularly and is confident that the Brazilian can continue to make an impact at Elland Road.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the transfer insider said: “Raphinha’s been left out of the team in recent weeks by Bielsa, so he’ll be keen to get back in there and cement his place as a regular.

“And I think you’ve got to have someone like Raphinha in your starting XI because he’s so unpredictable and can add that X-factor to the team as well.”

He undoubtedly has the ability to in this battle to stay in the Premier League.

The seven-cap Brazil international brings a huge attacking threat to this Leeds side,