'Where did you get him from?' - Paul Merson wowed by Leeds United talent who started vs Aston Villa

The winger has made an instant impact since arriving at Elland Road, and has drawn praise from the former Arsenal man before, with Merson admitting recently that the Brazilian is his “cup of tea”.

The 24-year-old was brought in by Whites boss Bielsa over the summer from Rennes, and given his preference to operate on a rolling year-long contract there has been no concrete confirmation as to whether or not the veteran manager will still be in charge in Yorkshire come the next transfer window.

Recent noises from the Argentine have suggested that there are reasons for supporters to be optimistic, however, and for his part Merson is convinced that he will be staying put – especially if he can unearth some more gems of Raphinha’s calibre.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday, he said: “He gets paid good money, he’s watching a good football team, he’s got very enthusiastic young lads there who want to sit and listen and work his way, which is priceless.

"You can go in somewhere else with the manager and it won’t work. You’ve got to have the players. This ticks the box.

"I think he just keeps in bringing in a couple more players like Raphinha. I mean, Raphinha, wow – where did you get him from?

"If he can do that, I think he’ll stay. I think it happens.”