The Catalans and Real Madrid are the only two teams in LaLiga with a 100% record, and Barca are top of the table by virtue of the fact that they've scored 12 goals as opposed to Los Blancos' 10.

Raphinha might've left if Xavi stayed

Five of Barcelona's goals have come from their new club captain Raphinha, who tops the league scoring charts in terms of goals this season, just one ahead of last season's Pichichi, Kylian Mbappe.

Under Hansi Flick, the Brazilian has really come into his own, and whilst the focus invariably remains on Lamine Yamal, it's the club's other flying winger who has also routinely been handed the plaudits.

How different things might've been had Xavi remained in charge.

A club legend he may be, but there were often decisions that the former midfielder made which were baffling to say the least.

One of those was bringing Raphinha off at the 60-minute mark in each game, seemingly no matter how well he'd played.

Rumours that the winger was seriously considering his position at that point weren't without foundation, and there's every reason to believe that Raphinha would've moved on had the club not acted decisively in removing Xavi from his position and replacing him with Flick.

Incredible work rate

To say that the player was then transformed is a bit of an understatement.

In each game he's been like a whirling dervish, running around the pitch like his life depended on it, and setting the example for his colleagues to follow.

What is it that they say? Talent without hard work is nothing. Well, Raphina, evidently, has both in abundance.

With Flick also making him captain, that's as simple an endorsement of his work rate as it's possible to be.

He wears the armband with absolute pride too, and is the first to step in to protect his colleagues when required. Indeed, there's a side to him not seen before, and which has really come to the fore since he's been bestowed with the responsibility.

A menace on the wing or in the centre

That he's still scoring goals in abundance and being an absolute menace down the left-hand side is just a bonus, and adds to his offering.

With Rodri having recently joined, there's clearly another big personality and big name for teammates to look up to, but there's no doubt that at this stage Raphinha is the de facto leader of this team.

How could he not be when he is leading from the front in every game he plays?

"Of course I expect this," Flick said about the Brazilian. "He is a fantastic player, a world-class player.

"Also, becoming the captain is something very positive for him. At the moment, he is showing exactly what we need from him."

Superb numbers

Since the German joined the club in 2024, Raphinha has delivered an astonishing 90 goal contributions (60G, 30A) in 93 games.

He's also hit the woodwork 14 times, and his 36 fast breaks have only just been surpassed by Lamine's 38.

His shot accuracy has veered between 49.43% and 87.5% in all competitions, whilst a best shot conversion rate of 25.49% is outstanding, as is his 100% record from the penalty spot.

A player who also enjoys the physical aspect of the game, he's won more tackles than he's lost (48 from 88 attempted), whilst he's also been marginally better in his one-on-one duels, winning 293 and losing 285 of the 578 attempted.

Could Raphinha go down as one of Barca's brilliant Brazilians?

228 chances created and 222 ball recoveries are other phenomenal statistics, whilst his 81.22% pass completion for his last full league season is probably the one area where he could look to improve over the course of 2026/27.

Where Barca have now got themselves some good strength in depth, too, that also offers Flick the opportunity to rest Raphinha at various points, which is something he's not always been able to do, and which arguably contributed to the unfortunate way that his 2025/26 season ended.

If he's managed correctly in terms of his fitness levels, then there's absolutely no reason why the player can't lead the Catalans to more glory this season.

He might then be considered to be on a par with other famous Brazilians - Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Romario, Ronaldo etc - who have trodden the same path.