Raphinha Leads Barcelona Attack as Jesus Awaits and Hamza Observes
Barcelona head to Mestalla on Sunday with top spot in La Liga within reach, but Hansi Flick is already reshaping his forward line before a ball is kicked.
Real Madrid’s 1-0 defeat to Real Betis on Friday has cracked the door open. Win at Valencia, and Barça stand alone at the summit. Do it, though, and they will likely do it without young Egyptian striker Hamza Abdelkarim in the starting XI – and with new signing Gabriel Jesus used only sparingly.
Jesus to start on the bench
Jesus only landed from Arsenal on Tuesday, and Flick made it clear in his pre-match press conference that the Brazilian is not yet physically ready to lead the line.
“Of course, he is not 100% ready, but he is prepared to play for a few minutes. We will see how the match goes. It is good to see the way he has worked and how calm he is,” Flick said, as quoted by AS.
The message is simple: Jesus is an option, not yet a pillar. Expect him as an impact substitute rather than a headline act.
Raphinha the surprise No. 9
If Jesus is waiting and Hamza is watching, someone has to carry the attack. Flick has already made his choice.
“At this moment, I think he (Raphinha) is the best option,” the German said. “He initiates the dynamism of the play and the press and gives us speed. For me, he is the best option we have in this position at the moment.”
Raphinha has responded to that trust with goals. Five of them in three league games, more than any other player in La Liga so far. He is not a classic centre-forward, but his movement, intensity and pressing have convinced Flick that he can anchor the front line, at least for now.
For Hamza Abdelkarim, the contrast is stark. He has featured for just four minutes this league campaign, coming on briefly against Rayo Vallecano. With Raphinha thriving and Jesus edging closer to full fitness, the 20-year-old faces a steep climb to meaningful minutes.
Koundé’s versatility underlined
Flick also used the briefing to underline his faith in Jules Koundé, despite the defender not starting matches at the beginning of the season.
“He is an incredibly professional player,” Flick said. “He has not started the matches, but that represents a challenge for him. His task is to reach his best level, as he was in the 2024-2025 season. He can play well in both positions, but as is always the case, the team is the most important thing.”
Centre-back or full-back, Koundé remains part of Flick’s plans. The Frenchman’s adaptability offers tactical flexibility on a night when Barça may need to react quickly to Valencia’s intensity.
Top spot is on the line. Raphinha is in form, Jesus is waiting in the wings, and Hamza is learning the hard way what it means to break into an elite attack. How long Flick sticks with this hierarchy could shape Barcelona’s early-season story.
