Frank Lampard outlines 'real project' of a player with 'confidence...

Raphael Borges Rodrigues, who Coventry City signed this summer, is a “real project,” according to Frank Lampard.

The young winger was acquired by the Sky Blues from Australian A-League team Macarthur FC during the most

recent transfer window, but he has only made two appearances since. He came off the bench for a short while at the

conclusion of the festive match against Cardiff City, and he was given just over 15 minutes during his FA Cup third-

round home debut at the CBS Arena during extra time.

After sustaining a thigh strain in the opening preseason match against Port Vale and suffering another injury while

trying to get to full fitness, which he has since managed to achieve, the 21-year-old has had a challenging first half of

the Championship season.

Lampard responded, “I’m just pleased for him because Rapha is a real project, and I’m not belittling him there, but

his background of not much football and coming from the A-League and getting injured in pre-season and getting

injured again,” when asked how he thought the young player performed in his brief appearance against Sheffield

Wednesday.

He has been a delight to work with, and we are attempting to collaborate with him on the training pitch because this

is one of the most competitive leagues in the world. He puts in a lot of effort and is talented; he is also gaining and

appearing fitter.

And within the roughly fifteen minutes he had, I felt we caught a few peeks, and I believed he understood the game

well. Even though Rapha still has a lot of work to do, he has a genuine skill and a charming confidence in his eyes.

“I think he feels like he’s a talented boy and should be here, which is a big plus. So I was pleased with him. We’ll see

better and more of him, but today was a good start for him.”

Frank Lampard outlines ‘real project’ of a player with ‘confidence in his eye’ at Coventry City