Recently, there has been a significant increase in the voices of footballers calling for a lightening of the schedule. The Manchester City midfielder Rodri recently threatened a striker from the

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick insists his team can cope with an increased workload and that he will make no excuses despite having to deal with a lengthy injury list but has joined a growing list of high-profile footballing names calling on UEFA and FIFA to make alterations to a packed schedule.

Raphinha makes a strong case for being the player who has benefitted most from Barca’s managerial change from Xavi to Flick. His attitude, along with the verticality his off-the-ball running provides, is emblematic of how the former Bayern Munich and Germany coach wants Barcelona to play.