Raphinha and Karim Adeyemi were the stars of the show in Barcelona’s big win over Racing Santander in midweek and have been two of the most impressive performers in the Blaugrana’s perfect start to the season so far.
The captain has once again benefitted from a change in position under Hansi Flick and has rediscovered his very best version playing as a true striker, and the coach was full of praise for not only the numbers Raphinha has delivered but his leadership as captain and his defensive work
as the initiator of the team’s relentless press.
“If you look at the last two seasons, how we always start the press with the number 9, and he has that incredible ambition and intensity, mentality and attitude to initiate that press we need, he’s at a top level. Not only scoring goals but also in defense. He always starts the defense, the press, and everyone is involved, people say if he goes, I go, and it’s about all the players going together and he starts it. As captain, he goes and everyone follows him.”
Adeyemi has opened a lot of eyes with some great displays since joining Barça, but his performance against Racing was especially impressive. Flick compared the German to another very fast left-footed player he used to coach at Bayern Munich, and explained how a change in scenery helped Adeyemi find his best form.
“He’s very fast. I think Alphonso Davies is similar in terms of speed. Adeyemi is a good guy, he has a lot of respect in the dressing room, the team likes him, especially when he first arrived, and with performances like these, the adaptation is easier.
“He wasn’t in a good place in Germany, and the best thing was a change and to move to another country, and I’m happy he chose us. I know his quality, and we just need to take care of him, and we’ll give him our confidence. I’m 100% convinced of him, and I hope we see many more matches like Wednesday’s.”
Flick and sporting director Deco deserve a lot of credit for the work done in evolving Barça’s attack this summer, from the signings of Adeyemi and Anthony Gordon and the coach’s decision to play Raphinha as a number nine.
Barça’s attack is even more fluid and unpredictable this season, and this team’s entertainment level is absolutely off the charts right now.
