Hansi Flick continues to look like the coach with the golden touch.
He had a big decision to make in Barcelona’s opening La Liga match against Elche, and in the end, he chose to go with Raphinha as the false nine.
The result? The Barca captain bagged two goals and an assist, while setting the tone defensively as well.
I doubt Flick sees this as a permanent solution if, as it’s looking like, Barcelona fail to bring in Julián Alvarez.
Still, the reality is that the Blaugrana may have to deploy a striker
by committee approach.
Today it was Raphinha. Tomorrow it could be Hamza Abdelkarim. The list of options go on from Fermín López, who also scored two goals against Elche, Dani Olmo, Anthony Gordon or even Lamine Yamal.
It would be shocking if Barcelona don’t make some type of striker signing before the transfer window closes next week on September 1st. The question will be the quality of the player they’re able to land, and whether that person becomes the undisputed starter.
For now, Barcelona are an attacking unit, and that’s the best strategy of all. Most of the goals on the night came as a result of capitalizing on the turnovers they created. This is the Flick system at work.
Ironically, the only attacking player who had a quiet night was Lamine Yamal. That’s ok, because this team isn’t dependent on any one player for goals.
Leading up to the game, I really was expecting Hamza to get the nod. Flick doubled down on his support of the young striker throughout preseason, and was continuously rewarded. My only disappointment on the night was to not see him get any minutes.
It’s hard to second guess Flick though. He’s a coach who always seems to get a tune out of his selected players.
Barcelona have two more games before the window closes. First, against Athletic Club on Thursday, and then Rayo Vallecano on Monday.
Will Flick continue with the same lineup, or spend the early part of the season experimenting? At this point, Flick seems to be telling his players, expect the unexpected. Be ready when your number is called to step up, fill in, and make things happen. If you get with the program, there’s a place for you.
That’s what makes this team such an interesting watch. It’s not about individuals, and never has been.
In the opening game, Flick sent a message to everyone. His players, the fans, and club leadership alike. Expect attacking football. Expect goals.
The sky’s the limit for this team because they are selfless, and ruthlessly focused on the mission.
The tone has been set for the season ahead. May it continue.
