---
title: "Leeds: Raphinha could play number 10 role for Whites"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-raphinha-could-play-number-10-role-for-whites/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Leeds United News"
published: "2021-10-03T12:40:00Z"
modified: "2021-10-03T12:40:00Z"
---

# Leeds: Raphinha could play number 10 role for Whites

**Marcelo Bielsa is weighing up the idea of using Raphinha in a number 10 role for Leeds United moving forward, according to journalist Phil Hay.**

### The Lowdown: Raphinha shines for Leeds

The Brazilian has been a superb signing for the Whites, joining from Rennes last year and [scoring nine goals in 38 appearances](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/raphinha/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/411295/verein/399) to date.

Raphinha has generally shone as a [right winger](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/raphinha/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/411295/verein/399), cutting inside onto his deadly left foot and wreaking havoc with his dribbling quality.

\[freshpress-quiz id=“375277″\]

### The Latest: Number 10 role mooted

It could be that Bielsa looks into using the 24-year-old in a more central number 10 position, however. Speaking in a Q&A for [The Athletic](https://theathletic.com/2861806/2021/10/01/leeds-fans-discuss-the-watford-game-with-our-reporter-phil-hay/) on Saturday following Leeds’ 1-0 win at home to Watford, Hay outlined the possibility of Raphinha’s role changing.

When asked by a supporter if Bielsa would try Raphinha in a role behind the centre-forward, the journalist replied:

> “I’m told that they have been discussing the possibility of Raphinha as a 10 but it’s not something Bielsa wants to rush into without working on. I can see aspects of Raphinha which would suit 10 although a Bielsa 10 needs to do a lot of defensive work too.”

[Latest Leeds United news!](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-18/)

### The Verdict: Interesting move by Bielsa

It would be an ultra-attacking move to play Raphinha as a number 10, allowing both Jack Harrison and Dan James to start out wide, forming a speedy three-pronged attack behind Patrick Bamford or Rodrigo.

As Hay hinted, though, the Brazil international would need to produce a strong work ethic to thrive in that position, with Bielsa simply [not accepting](https://www.planetfootball.com/quick-reads/x-quotes-on-marcelo-bielsas-infamous-training-regime/) a luxury player there.

It still feels like Raphinha is best out wide – he has [registered nine assists](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/raphinha/alletore/spieler/411295) for Leeds – but it would be intriguing to see how he fares more centrally if the manager considers redeploying him.

***In other news, one Leeds transfer target has a £10million release clause in his contract. Read more [here](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-united-transfer-rumours/leeds-lewis-obrien-has-10million-release-clause/).***