Above 'Vini Jr.'! Dorival Júnior gives Raphinha a new responsibility in the 'Seleçao'

The 2024-25 season has arguably been the most explosive period for Raphinha in his career so far, and why wouldn't it be? Currently, the Porto Alegre native has not only become a key figure at FC Barcelona, with 12 goals and 10 assists in 17 matches, but he also seems to have taken that step forward that was demanded of him on numerous occasions with the Brazilian national team.

This is not mere talk, as Raphinha is now considered one of the important leaders of this new generation of the 'Canarinha,' even surpassing what was thought to be the standout star of this group of young players, Real Madrid forward, Vinicius Jr., who, in contrast, has fallen short on more than one occasion by not being able to replicate his success as a 'top' winger in the Madrid squad with the national team.

Raphinha, who is on a roll with the 'Seleção,' has scored three goals in his last two appearances for the five-time world champions, including a spectacular free-kick goal against the Venezuelan national team in the latest match. This goal was Brazil's only goal in that game, which ended in a 1-1 draw, highlighting his importance to the team.

The new responsibility that Dorival Júnior has given Raphinha in Brazil

Now, Dorival Júnior, the national team coach of Brazil, has indicated that he is entrusting Raphinha with more responsibility in the national team, even above 'Vini Jr.' In the press conference prior to the 'Scratch du Ouro' match against Uruguay at Arena Fonte Nova, the former Santos coach made it clear that he will prioritize the Barcelona winger over the Real Madrid player for penalty kicks.

"Raphinha and Vini were prepared for penalties. Vini ended up missing it. Tomorrow, if there is a penalty, Raphinha will be the one taking it. But what I see is the following: maturity only comes through experiences. Maturity only comes from going through situations like this in life and in a career. It's the athlete who has to find the way individually. And collectively, we as technical committees are here to help them," commented Dorival Júnior.

This decision undoubtedly stems from the poor penalty taken by Vinicius Jr. in the match against Venezuela, where he had the opportunity to make a difference in the scoreline with a penalty that was fouled on him. However, his shot left much to be desired, not being placed well in the corner and at a medium height, allowing Rafa Romo, the Venezuelan national team goalkeeper, to save it perfectly. Additionally, in that same play, the ball came back to his feet to try to score, but unfortunately for him, his left-footed shot was also off target.

This highlights a redemption for Raphinha, who showed that he can also be an excellent penalty taker. In the game prior to the match against the Venezuelan national team, during the match against Peru in Brazil, the two goals scored by the Barça forward were from penalty kicks, and he executed them effectively. This further demonstrates that he has the composure and precision required to be decisive even from the penalty spot.