Barcelona are set to face Real Madrid in the Clasico, with Vinicius Junior due to miss the match. Before the game, Raphinha spoke about Vinicius's absence and described Fede Valverde and Vinicius as the driving force of Real Madrid.
Raphinha on Vinicius missing the game
GOAL reported that the website Tribuna published Raphinha's thoughts before the two teams meet. Raphinha said: "I cannot say that his absence will be a good thing for us, because in the end Real Madrid has many players capable of settling matches."
Raphinha also said: "It is true that Vini will not be there, but there are other players who can fill his position and make the difference in a match of this magnitude."
Valverde's tactical value
Raphinha praised Valverde's flexibility. He said: "Fede can push forward from midfield, and he also gives the team many options when he plays at full-back."
Raphinha added: "In the end, he is an amazing player, who delivers great levels in midfield, and also shines when he plays on the flanks."
The driving force of Real Madrid
On the players he highlighted in the Real Madrid side, Raphinha said: "Fede and Vini are the driving force of Real Madrid. They are the type of players who put in a lot of effort and work for the benefit of their team, regardless of the position in which they play."