Raphinha's Transformation as Barcelona's No 9 Inspires Hansi Flick
Raphinha’s reinvention as Barcelona’s ruthless No 9 has Hansi Flick purring – and La Liga on alert.
Denied the chance to sign Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez in the summer, Flick gambled. With Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres gone, he pushed the former Leeds United winger into the middle. No easing-in, no gentle transition. Straight into the firing line as the central striker for a club that demands titles.
So far, it looks inspired.
“On another level”
Speaking before Sunday’s trip to Levante, Flick could barely contain his admiration for the 29-year-old Brazilian.
“Rapha has played fantastic. He is on another level – he's unbelievable. When he's like this, he's, for me, one of the best players in the world,” the German said, laying down as big a compliment as any coach can give.
The numbers back him up. Raphinha has exploded in his new role: eight goals in five games, driving Barca to four wins from four in LaLiga and a midweek Champions League victory. Once a touchline winger, now the sharp edge of one of Europe’s most dangerous front lines.
Either side of him, Lamine Yamal, Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi bring pace, chaos and width. Defenders are being stretched to breaking point, and Raphinha is thriving in the gaps they leave behind.
Options everywhere in attack
The Brazilian may be the headline act, but Flick is keen to stress he is not short of alternatives through the middle.
“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.”
It’s a forward line built for rotation and reinvention. Different profiles, same level of threat. For opponents trying to prepare a game plan, that variety is a nightmare.
Cubarsi anchors a mean defence
While the spotlight naturally falls on Raphinha and the electric Yamal, Flick made sure to underline the other half of Barcelona’s resurgence: a defence that has quietly tightened up.
Only three goals conceded so far this season. That platform has allowed the attackers to play with freedom and aggression, knowing the back line will hold.
At the heart of it stands teenage centre-back Pau Cubarsi, who Flick believes has taken a huge step in recent months.
“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,” Flick 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.”
It’s a rare blend: a teenager trusted to marshal a title-chasing defence, and a coach openly framing him as a cornerstone of the project.
Perfect start on the line
Barcelona head to Levante protecting a perfect league record and a slender advantage at the top. They sit two points clear of Alaves and three ahead of Real Madrid, who have already stumbled in the early weeks.
No fresh injuries have complicated Flick’s plans after their European exertions. The squad picture remains stable, with long-term absentees Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji still sidelined and the only notable names missing.
Momentum is with Barca. Raphinha is in the form of his life. The defence is tighter, the data stronger, the belief obvious.
Now comes the real test: can this new-look side, with a winger-turned-finisher at its core and a teenager commanding the back line, turn a blistering start into a season of dominance?
