Leeds United lost a few players over the last few seasons since they got relegated from the Premier League. However, the squad that last played in the top flight still shared a close bond and we have one more example of how much respect some of the players had for each other.
The Whites’ failure to get promoted to the Premier League last season led to another round of departures from Elland Road. Crysencio Summerville was one of the players who moved on from Elland Road last summer.
The Dutchman was clear about wanting to play in the Premier League and decided to move to West Ham after being the best player for Leeds last season.
Summerville was part of the Leeds squad who were in the Premier League last and was one of the young players who made a real impact despite the Whites getting relegated at the end of the 2021/22 season.
The Dutchman has picked out one of his former Leeds teammates for the impact he had on his career when they were together at Elland Road in the Premier League.
He was the best I played with – Summerville hails former Leeds star
Summerville came out as the star of the Leeds man last season but previously he was playing behind a much more accomplished winger who is now a star in La Liga.
The Dutchman insisted that his former Leeds teammate Raphinha is the best he ever played with and there is absolutely no doubt about it.
He stressed that it is not only about the natural talent the winger has in abundance but his willingness to combine it with hard work made him an ‘absurd’ player.
“I always say this to everyone in my circle: Raphinha is the best player I’ve ever played with”, Summerville told Voetbal International.
“With all due respect to the others, but what I’ve seen from him… Not only his gift and his talent but also the work he puts in. It’s absurd.”
The Dutchman added that Raphinha always gave him the confidence to show his talent and qualities and he often tried to play like the Brazilian training.
“He always said: Cry, the qualities you have… Show them.
“In training, I tried to play like him. Then I got more courage and I also thought: You know Cry, just do it. Show your qualities, work hard.”
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Raphinha has emerged as one of the most potent wide attackers this season, scoring 14 times and registering 10 assists in all competitions for Barcelona this season.
His performances have led to interest from Arsenal and Liverpool for a move next summer.
