Raphinha’s No 9 role has surprised Barcelona team-mate Fermin Lopez

Fermin Lopez says Raphinha’s performances as a central striker have surprised Barcelona’s players after the Brazil forward scored a hat-trick for the second consecutive match.

Raphinha’s latest treble came in Barcelona’s victory over Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan, taking his total to 12 goals in seven matches and making him the leading scorer in La Liga.

Barcelona midfielder Fermin praised the team’s display and said the squad were pleased to reach the international break at the top of the league with a perfect record.

He said Barcelona had followed the manager’s instructions by applying immediate pressure whenever possession was lost.

“We all work as one team, and we are satisfied with the work we are doing,” Fermin said after the match.

The Spain midfielder was particularly impressed by Raphinha’s ability to adapt to a new attacking position. The Brazilian had not previously played as a number nine, but has quickly become a prolific source of goals in the role.

“Raphinha surprises us a little because he has never played as a number nine before,” Fermin said.

“He is an excellent player and can adapt to any attacking position. We pass the ball to him and he puts it in the net.”

Fermin was also celebrating his return to the Spain squad after missing the World Cup because of injury.

The midfielder said being unable to take part in the tournament had been difficult, but he was pleased to have started the season well and earned another call-up to the national team.