“All new players go through this” – Player insists woes since Leeds United exit aren’t unusual

Barcelona forward Raphinha has insisted it is “normal” that he has struggled at the club this season following his move from Leeds United.

The Brazilian joined the Catalan giants in the summer after two very successful years at Elland Road following an €18.6m move from Rennes.

He was the star of the show for Marcelo Bielsa and then Jesse Marsch, scoring 17 goals and assisting 12 in 67 appearances for Leeds during his time there.

In fact, he was their key man last season, putting in a series of impressive performances in the run up to the end of the season and almost singlehandedly keeping Leeds in the Premier League.

It was those performances which led Barcelona to move for him but he has struggled to replicate his form at the Camp Nou, failing to establish himself as the key player that many predicted.

A record of six goals and eight assists in 30 games is far from a terrible statistic, though, and he has insisted his initial struggles are normal.

“It’s normal, it’s my first season at the club An adaptation is needed,” Sport report him saying at a press conference.

“All new players go through this. I’m at my best here, but I need time. I only have words of gratitude for all those who help me.

“There’s nothing missing, but it’s normal when you get to a new place that you don’t know anyone or the style. It takes time to adjust. I’m missing something and it’s just time.

“I have changed a bit on a mental level, because on a physical level I have always been good. I look better than when I started and I hope to continue like this.”