\n<\/p>\n
Raphinha<\/a> may have been excluded from this year\u2019s Ballon d\u2019Or nominees, but the forward has already been setting the trend for next year\u2019s edition.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Adopting a new false nine role this season, the Brazilian international has racked up 14 goals in just eight competitive matches in all competitions, playing a central role in Barcelona<\/a>\u2019s early success.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Before the conversation for next year\u2019s Ballon d\u2019Or even starts, Raphinha has already emerged as one of the strong contenders for the Golden Boot award.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The combination of Yamal and Raphinha have been terrifying. (Photo by Fran Santiago\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The Golden Boot awards points based on a coefficient system, with goals in Europe\u2019s big five leagues worth two points each. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n That leaves Raphinha on 24 points, bettered only by Benin\u2019s Ede Okolo, who has amassed 25 goals in Latvia, having already played half a season there.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Raphinha is the only player from Europe\u2019s five major leagues currently in the top 10. The next best scorers in the big leagues are also from LaLiga<\/a>, with Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappe and Camello all on seven goals.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n His scoring exploits have also placed him in exclusive company at Barcelona. Only Mariano Martin, back in the 1943-44 season, has scored as many league goals for the club at this stage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Yamal has set the trends for next year\u2019s Ballon d\u2019Or. (Photo by Judit Cartiel\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Should Raphinha maintain his current rate, he could etch his name into the record books in remarkable fashion.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Projected over a full campaign, the Brazilian would finish with a staggering 66 LaLiga goals, a figure that would obliterate the current record of 50, set by Lionel Messi in the 2011-12 season.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n