'My cup of tea' - Paul Merson blown away by Leeds United ace who will have people 'scratching their head'

The Brazilian joined the Whites from Rennes for a fee of around £17 million at the beginning of October, and has gone on to record three goals and three assists in 14 Premier League outings so far.

The 24-year-old has started every one of Leeds’ top flight matches since the 0-0 draw against Arsenal in November, and Merson has argued that he has represented exceptional value for money so far.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday, the pundit said: “He’s my cup of tea. Absolute cup of tea.

"For £17 million – you just don’t get a lot for £17 million anymore, and he’s a very good player.

"To be fair, he’s come in and he’s done well. Straight away he’s hit the ground running, for me.

"He looks a good footballer. He’s full of energy, he’s got a work ethic as well – he works for the team. He just does everything right. That is the most important thing.

"I’m a big fan of his, and I think the recruitment there to find that player… for £17 million there’ll be people scratching their head thinking, ‘How didn’t we get him?’.”

Merson isn’t the only pundit to have hailed Raphinha for his performances so far this season.

Former Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford praised the South American for his match-winning turn against Everton back in November, describing him as a “very exciting” player with a “great future” ahead of him.