Raphinha Transforms Barcelona's Attack as Flick's Star No 9
Raphinha reinvents Barcelona as Flick’s “unbelievable” No 9
Hansi Flick tried to reshape Barcelona’s attack in the summer. One big move never happened. Another has changed the feel of the entire team.
After failing in a bid to bring in Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez, the Barça coach ripped up the script and pushed Raphinha into the middle. No Robert Lewandowski. No Ferran Torres. No orthodox No 9. Just the former Leeds winger, reborn as the spearhead of a new-look frontline.
So far, it looks like a masterstroke.
“On another level”
Speaking before Sunday’s trip to Levante, Flick could barely contain his admiration for the Brazilian, now 29 and playing the most ruthless football of his career.
“Rapha has played fantastic. He is on another level – he’s unbelievable,” the German said. “When he’s like this, he’s, for me, one of the best players in the world.”
The numbers back him up. Raphinha has exploded in his central role, scoring eight goals in five games as Barcelona have opened their LaLiga campaign with four straight wins and added a midweek Champions League victory for good measure.
He is the focal point now, but he is not alone. Around him, Lamine Yamal, Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi give Barcelona a front line with pace, flair and edge – a combination that already looks like one of the most intimidating trios in Europe when they click.
A squad built on versatility
Raphinha may have grabbed the spotlight, yet Flick was keen to underline that this attack can change shape at any moment.
“Raphinha, Gabby and Hamza are three different profiles, but there are other ways we could play,” he explained. “Anthony and Karim can also play in this position. Or Dani Olmo. Dani has showed us in last two years he can play there – the same with Fermin Lopez. We have a lot of options.”
That is the point. This is not a side built around a single classic striker anymore. Flick has filled his squad with players who can drift inside, drop out wide, or arrive late from midfield. It keeps opponents guessing and, so far, unable to cope.
Cubarsi anchors a meaner defence
All the noise has centred on Raphinha and the emergence of Yamal, but Barcelona’s perfect start has another foundation: a defence that has quietly tightened up.
They have conceded just three goals this season. At the heart of that improvement stands Pau Cubarsi, the teenager Flick cannot stop praising.
The coach highlighted not just the clean sheets, but the underlying data that tells him this team has toughened up.
“When I see the xG we have in every game, it’s good, but also the xG against us is much better than last season. It helps us a lot,” he said. “For me, after the World Cup, [Cubarsi] played fantastic. For me, he’s playing on another level at the moment. I am really happy he has the confidence, but also he’s very focused.
“With the body, he also improved physically. This is very important, especially for this position. Also with the ball, he’s playing really good, which helps us a lot, so amazing about that.”
Cubarsi’s blend of composure in possession and growing physical presence has given Barcelona a platform. The forwards can attack with freedom because the back line, led by a teenager, has started to look secure.
Top of the table, eyes on Levante
Barcelona head to Levante on Sunday defending a 100 per cent record and a fragile early lead at the top. They sit two points clear of Alaves and three ahead of Real Madrid, who have already slipped up in the opening weeks.
There are no new injury problems from their European exertions. Flick confirmed the squad status remains stable, with long-term absentees Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji still the only notable names missing.
Raphinha in the middle. Yamal stretching the game. Cubarsi marshalling the back line. A coach who sees “another level” in his key men.
Barcelona have started like a team intent on staying where they are – but can this reinvented side keep that standard when the season really starts to bite?
