Raphinha secured his dream move to Barcelona this summer.The former Leeds United star put one of the most dramatic transfer sagas of the year to bed when he committed to a move to Camp Nou in July, ending strong interest from Chelsea and Arsenal in the process.Raphinha is one of a number of marquee signings to come through the door at Barcelona in 2022 with Robert Lewandowski, Franck Kessie, Andreas Christensen and Jules Kounde also following him through the door.
Raphinha hits the ground running
And while there are still concerns over whether or not Barcelona can actually register the Brazilian maestro, there's no denying that it will be worth all the hassle when they can thrash things out with La Liga.
Not only is Raphinha one of the most exciting wingers in the men's game right now, but he also happens to have hit the ground running in red and blue with a series of impressive pre-season performances.
From scoring and assisting on his debut to smashing home a long-range stunner against Real Madrid, Raphinha has given off so many promising signs that he could well prove to be Barca's signing of the summer.
And it was more of the same when the 25-year-old featured in the Blaugrana's 6-0 demolition of Pumas UNAM to win the Joan Gamper Trophy at Camp Nou on Sunday.
De Jong & Fofana to Chelsea | Arsenal to sign Neto or Gakpo (Football Terrace)
Raphinha shines vs Pumas UNAM
Featuring in a first-half where Barcelona raced into a stunning 4-0 lead, Raphinha might not have found the back of the net, but he turned provider for Ousmane Dembele's goal and was only denied a strike of his own by the post.
However, the Raphinha moment that Barca fans were drooling over the most, before he was replaced by Ansu Fati, was actually a subtle showcase of just how brilliant his dribbling and close-control really is.
Raphinha was rightfully revered amongst the Premier League's leading entertaining during his time at Elland Road and he seems to have picked up from where he left off by tying Barca's opponents in knots.
Soccer Football - Friendly - Joan Gamper Trophy - FC Barcelona v Pumas UNAM - Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain - August 7, 2022 FC Barcelona's Ousmane Dembele celebrates scoring their third goal with Raphinha REUTERS/Albert Gea
Raphinha silky footwork goes viral
That's because one moment where the Brazil star made Pablo Bennevendo disappear was so silky that it's amassed thousands of shares on Twitter with one video even surpassing the 7,000-retweet mark.
It might not have been a skill for the ages that makes Jay-Jay Okocha look pedestrian, but it most certainly was a showcase for just how quickly Raphinha can dribble and skill his way out of trouble.
So be sure to join the Barcelona fans who have already long been spamming the replay button to get another dose of Raphinha magic by checking out his latest flash of escapology down below:
Now you see him, now you don't.
Fan reaction
Raphinha guarantees entertainment
Raphinha is one of those players where their mere gait, the way they strut around the pitch, makes you want to rise to your feet and pay full attention knowing that something outrageous could be about to go down.
Did that passage of play from Raphinha ultimately lead down a dead end that culminated in an average cross? Yes, yes it did, but you just know that his dribbling would have brought you to your feet had you been there in the stadium yourself.
And frankly, it's exactly the type of pizzazz and flair that Barcelona fans are crying out for right now, so don't be surprised if the extra glitz and glamour that he brings to Camp Nou goes down an absolute treat.
Soccer Football - LaLiga - FC Barcelona unveil Raphinha - Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, Barcelona, Spain - July 15, 2022 FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta and new player Raphinha are pictured with a club jersey during the unveiling REUTERS/Albert Gea
Besides, Barca supporters could probably do with something to cheer them up at the moment.