What a season it’s been so far for Hansi Flick’s Barcelona.
Notwithstanding the disappointment from the defeats against Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, there’s been little to reproach the team for as a collective.
Individually, some players have, very simply, been better than others, so let’s take a look at the hits and misses – those who have impressed the most – and the least – for the Catalans.
Hit: Fermin Lopez
There’s no question that Fermin has finally cemented his place in the Barca starting XI.
There’s a
school of thought to suggest that he was well worthy of that long before now, but Flick will have had his reasons.
The midfielder has the energy and dynamism of Gavi, but is a much better goal threat than his contemporary.
His brace in what was a huge game against Atletico Madrid shows that when the big matches come around, Fermin can generally be relied upon to affect the game in one way or another.
Miss: Alejandro Balde
It’s not really a surprise that Balde finds himself out of the starting line-up.
Though he’s had his moments under Hansi Flick, they’ve been few and far between, and the German finally snapped.
The lack of a final ball and too many runs down blind alleys have ensured that Flick has considered his options in the full-back areas.
Having pace to burn is all well and good, but if you’re not actually going to do anything with it, then it’s of absolutely no use.
Hit: Lamine Yamal
Although everyone expects Lamine to provide match-winning moments in every game, the fact that he’s managing to regularly do just that at 19 years of age is nothing short of unbelievable.
To take on that level of responsibility at such a young age, and not only not be cowed by it, but to allow it to enhance an already sensational offering is the sign of a genuine generational talent.
Already in 2026/27, Lamine has scored 13 goals in all competitions and provided 12 assists.
If he can stay free of injury for the remainder of the season, there’s no telling just how important he’ll be. Can he be the catalyst for a long-overdue Champions League title? Absolutely.
Miss: Joao Cancelo
Barcelona signed Joao Cancelo permanently in the summer after another strong loan spell but, three months in, he’s already become a problem for Flick and Co.
The Portugal international is more than capable of scoring some incredible goals, as we’ve seen already this season, but when it comes to the other end of the pitch he can also be a real liability at times.
Cancelo’s shortcomings defensive were all too evident in the big games against Real Madrid, PSG and Atletico Madrid. With Balde out of Flick’s plans, it leaves the club short of options at left-back and potentially looking for a solution in January.
Raphinha: Hit
There are other players who could be considered ‘hits’ this season, but it’s the captain who sets the tone for everyone to follow.
In a team with such superstars as Rodri, Lamine and Pedri, the Brazilian’s star still shines brightly, and he remains the exemplar.
His maturity, thanks to being handed the armband, has been noticeable, and there won’t be too many culers arguing that he’s not deserving of the honour.
With 19 goals and three assists to his name, he’s leading from the front, and if his colleagues could show the same amount of desire and character as Raphinha does on a weekly basis, Barca will be untouchable.
Miss: Anthony Gordon
A player who cost €80 million has done OK – as he himself has admitted – but without doing much to get culers out of their seats.
Like Balde, the Englishman runs the risk of being a player renowned for his pace and not a lot else.
Yes, it’s bound to take time to settle into new surroundings, a new country etc., but Gordon, by his own admission, had always wanted to play for Barca, knew how to speak Spanish and felt comfortable from the first minute at the club.
He’s not done an awful lot more than Marcus Rashford to date, and that’s not intended as a criticism of either player; it’s just a fact.
Gordon’s work rate is fine, but he needs to up his output if he wants to be considered a success.
