Rafael da Silva Is on Course to Recapture His 2012/13 Form at Manchester United
When Brazil lined up against Croatia to kick off the World Cup on 12 June, Rafael da Silva was wearing the famous colours of the Selecao, proudly singing the national anthem. But he was at his family home in Brazil with his twin brother Fabio and former Manchester United team-mate Rio Ferdinand, watching the game on television.
Experiencing the World Cup as a spectator would have been hard to take for Rafael, particularly on the back of such a disappointing 2013/14 campaign at club level.
Turning 24 the day after Brazil’s 7-1 drubbing at the hands of Germany, Rafael has just two international caps. Poor form and a number of injuries have made it a difficult 2014 for the Brazilian, but there have been signs of rejuvenation this season.
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Rafael played a handful of games for United as an 18-year-old, and he introduced himself to the world with a lively display in a 2-1 defeat to Arsenal.
Gary Neville made way for Rafael at the Emirates Stadium that day in November 2008, and where Neville had typified the English defender’s mindset of defend first, attack second, Rafael played up to all the stereotypes of a Brazilian defender and was more interested in spending time in the opposition half.
Looking more of a right-winger than a right-back, Rafael played with relentless energy.
In the dying moments of the game, Arsenal half cleared a Ryan Giggs cross, which Rafael controlled with his chest on the edge of the box before lashing a left-footed volley into the net. It was an extraordinary goal that belied most defenders’ skill sets.
It was clear from his 30-minute cameo that United had on their hands a talented, albeit raw and unpolished player who could go on to achieve great things.
In the three Premier League seasons following his debut campaign, Rafael made 33 starts. He was refining his game, learning when to attack and, somewhat ironically for a defender, how to defend.
That early period at United, in which his twin brother Fabio had very few chances to impress, set Rafael up for a wonderful title-winning season in 2012/13, during which he made 27 starts and scored three goals.
Here was an in-form, 22-year-old defender with three Premier League titles and a permanent role at right-back to his name.
Things changed quickly, though, and Rafael missed the start of last season with a hamstring problem, which set the tone for an injury-hit campaign.
More worrying, however, was that his form had dipped when he did play. Rafael didn’t look quite the same player. Whether that was due to Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure, David Moyes’ arrival or a lack of continuity due to fitness problems is a moot point.
In a way, Rafael was back at square one again.
Rafael was part of Louis van Gaal’s squad that flew out to the United States for this summer's pre-season tour, but he was forced to fly back to Manchester after less than a fortnight to have treatment for a groin problem.
Absent for United’s first three league games, it seemed as if Rafael would experience a similar misery to last season.
Rafael returned in the 4-0 win over Queens Park Rangers, however, and he was superb. He was unfortunate to concede a penalty at Leicester City a week later, but he showed in the wins over West Ham United and Everton how good a defender he has become.
The erratic, unpredictable player who excited when he burst onto the scene six years ago seems to have been replaced by a more mature defender who makes better decisions.
In the absence of Wayne Rooney, Rafael lined up as United’s longest-serving player in the 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion on Monday.
United lost Ryan Giggs (as a player), Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra this summer, so the presence of Rafael offers comfort and familiarity in what is a new-look side. Having the Brazilian at right-back is one less position to worry about.
This weekend, Rafael faces his biggest challenge yet in dealing with Chelsea’s Eden Hazard, one of the best left-sided players in world football.
If he continues his impressive form, defending strongly and attacking with purpose—just as he did in 2012/13—Rafael will surely be at United for another six years.
All stats via WhoScored.com
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