---
title: "Leeds United: Paul Robinson thinks Raphinha may have to wait for Whites debut"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/paul-robinson-raphinha-leeds-debut-prediction/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ben Crump"
section: "Leeds United"
published: "2020-10-07T19:40:13Z"
modified: "2020-10-07T19:40:13Z"
---

# Leeds United: Paul Robinson thinks Raphinha may have to wait for Whites debut

**Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes that deadline day signing [Raphinha](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-united-transfer-rumours/leeds-united-raphinhas-contract-details-emerge-as-move-edges-closer/) will have to wait for his first team debut.**

Whites manager Marcelo Bielsa continued his summer spending on deadline day with the arrival of Brazilian winger Raphinha from Ligue 1 side Rennes for a figure of [£16.72m](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/leeds-united/transfers/verein/399), taking the Argentine’s summer spending [close to the £100m mark](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/leeds-united/transfers/verein/399).

With the international break now upon us, the forward could make his official debut for the Yorkshire club when Wolves visit Elland Road on Monday 19 October.

![](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/THE-BREAKDOWN.png)

The arrival of the 23-year-old hands Bielsa a potentially potent option who [scored five goals and supplied three assists in 22 Ligue 1 appearances last term.](https://www.sofascore.com/player/raphinha/831005)

However, the potential of Raphinha’s debut is not massively exciting former Leeds player Robinson, who claims the right-sided winger will have to earn his his place in the Whites’ starting XI.

*“It’s down to Raphinha to prove what he can do in training and take the shirt from Harrison or Costa, who are in the men in possession at the moment,”* Robinson told [MOT Leeds News.](https://motleedsnews.com/exclusives/ive-been-told-exclusive-pundit-claims-new-leeds-signing-is-weeks-away-from-debut/)

*“We’ve seen Tyler Roberts and Rodrigo playing in the midfield too so Bielsa’s not afraid to play attacking players in the centre of the midfield as well.*

*“I’ve been told that the coach is very demanding, he puts different demands on players compared to what he used to so I wouldn’t be surprised if we don’t see him for a couple of weeks to get ‘Bielsa-ready’.*

*“It’s very, very rare these days that the same 11 is picked each week with teams and formation picked demanding on the opposition and players’ fitness.*

*“There’s going to be a lot of game-time for Raphinha.”*

Joining Raphinha in arriving at Elland Road this summer are the likes of Rodrigo Moreno and Diego Llorente, with Bielsa spending a total of £96.1m (as per [Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/leeds-united/transfers/verein/399)).

![](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Verdict.png)

Robinson may have a fair point. Raphinha is an exciting talent but that does not necessarily mean he will be a starter under Bielsa, who has trust in the likes of [Helder Costa and Jack Harrison](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/leeds-united/leistungsdaten/verein/399).

Costa and Harrison were a large part of Leeds’ promotion and Championship title success last term, contributing as a duo with [10 league goals and 12 assists.](https://www.whoscored.com/Teams/19/Archive/England-Leeds)

Of course, having multiple options on the flanks is a bonus for Bielsa, who has seen his side [start well](https://www.skysports.com/premier-league-table) in the Premier League this season.

***Do you agree with Robinson? Does Raphinha have to earn his place in Leeds’ starting eleven? Let us know in the comments section below…***