Raphinha’s Reinvention Under Hansi Flick: Barcelona's New Central Striker
Raphinha’s reinvention under Hansi Flick is turning into one of the early stories of the season – and his coach is not playing it down.
Having failed in a summer move for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, Flick ripped up the script and pushed the former Leeds United winger into the middle. No Lewandowski, no Ferran Torres, no orthodox No 9. Just Raphinha, through the centre, asked to carry Barcelona’s attack.
So far, it looks inspired.
Flick’s new No 9
Ahead of Sunday’s trip to Levante, Flick could barely contain his admiration for the 29-year-old.
“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 told reporters.
The numbers back him up. Barcelona have opened their LaLiga campaign with four straight wins and added a midweek Champions League victory for good measure. Raphinha has led that charge with eight goals in five games, a ruthless streak that has turned him from wide creator into one of Europe’s most dangerous finishers.
He has not done it alone. On either side, Lamine Yamal, Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi have given Barcelona a front line that looks explosive and unpredictable, stretching defences and clearing the central lane for their new spearhead.
The pressure on Raphinha to deliver as a central striker was huge. He has answered it with a start that would satisfy any specialist No 9.
“We have a lot of options”
Flick, though, is determined to frame this not as a one-man show but as a showcase of squad versatility. Asked about his alternatives through the middle, he rattled off names and profiles with the assurance of a coach who knows he has weapons in reserve.
“Raphinha, Gabby and Hamza are three different profiles, but there are other ways we could play,” he said. “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 is a reminder that Barcelona’s attacking puzzle is far from fixed. Raphinha owns the shirt right now, but Flick clearly intends to keep opponents guessing, rotating roles and asking different players to attack central spaces depending on the game state.
Cubarsi anchors a new-look defence
While the headlines have been stolen by Raphinha’s goals and Yamal’s electricity out wide, Flick made sure to shine a light on the other end of the pitch.
Barcelona have conceded only three goals so far this season. That defensive platform has allowed the front line to attack with freedom, and at the heart of it stands teenage centre-back Pau Cubarsi.
For Flick, the youngster’s development since the World Cup has been striking.
“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 explained. “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.”
The numbers, and Flick’s words, tell the same story: this is a Barcelona side defending higher, cleaner and with far more control. Cubarsi’s composure on the ball and growing physical presence have turned him from prospect into pillar.
Perfect record on the line
Barcelona head to Levante on Sunday with a perfect league record to protect and a narrow cushion at the top. They sit two points clear of Alaves and three ahead of Real Madrid, who have already dropped points in the early weeks.
The mood in the camp is calm. Flick confirmed there are no new injury issues after their European outing. Only long-term absentees Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji are missing from the squad.
Raphinha in the middle, Yamal flying, Cubarsi anchoring the back line, and a coach openly calling his key players “unbelievable” and “on another level” – Barcelona arrive in Valencia playing like leaders. The question now is simple: who stops them first?
