Hansi Flick described Raphinha's display in Barcelona's 5-2 win over Rayo Vallecano as "world-class" as the Blaugrana's perfect start to their LaLiga title defence continued. Raphinha made it five goals in three league games this season with a brace at Camp Nou on Monday, with Barcelona level on points with Real Madrid at the summit. Sergio Camello had given Rayo a 12th-minute lead before Raphinha levelled things up seven minutes later with a brilliant run and finish into the bottom-right corner.Barcelona took the lead in the 21st minute when Lamine Yamal crashed the ball into the roof of the net, with Florian Lejeune's own goal early in the second half pushing Flick's side further clear of their opponents. Camello pulled one back for Rayo just before the hour, only for Raphinha to restore Barcelona's two-goal cushion after being teed up by an exquisite backheel from Anthony Gordon.The win was sealed in the 90th minute by Yamal, though Flick singled out Raphinha for praise. The Brazilian is the first player to score five goals across his team's first three fixtures in a LaLiga season since Lionel Messi did so in 2017-18."Of course, I expected his performance. He's a world-class footballer. I always want him on my team," Flick told reporters."And being captain is good for him. Many things happened that made me happy; some players have just arrived and are performing at a high level."And the team spirit is fantastic. We need to improve in some areas, and we will."5 goals in 3 matches pic.twitter.com/SvPq4zmm1c— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 31, 2026While Flick was delighted with the offensive output, he noted that the team's natural instinct to attack can sometimes lead to unnecessary risks.Barcelona finished with an expected goals (xG) total of 3.04 from their 26 shots, but they did allow Rayo a tally of 1.21 from their 11 attempts, five of which were on target. Flick highlighted that while the initial stages of the match were played at a high level, the lack of complete dominance throughout the 90 minutes remains a point for improvement."We played fantastically in the first half. We had a good reaction to the goal, it was something that could happen," Flick added. "At home we need to control the game better."Have more possession. It's our mentality, for some of our players, to go forward and attack, but sometimes it's necessary to slow the game down."Flick was also asked about the impending arrival of Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal, with a reported €10m (£8.6m) deal agreed between the two sides for a deadline day move. Jesus has managed 50 goal contributions (32 goals, 18 assists) in 123 appearances across all competitions for the Gunners, but has fallen out of favour in North London. The 29-year-old missed most of last year after picking up a knee injury, though Flick believes that Jesus will be an important player for Barcelona should the deal be completed. "He's a top striker. It will be important. He can give us a lot of things. I'm happy that he's here," Flick said of Jesus. "He's had injuries, but everything is fine."I spoke to him in the afternoon and was a little surprised to get the chance. I like his style. It will fit into our game. He is an important signing."I'm grateful to Deco because, once again, he did a fantastic job."The post Flick lauds ‘world-class’ Raphinha display in Barcelona’s win over Rayo appeared first on SoccerNews.