Hansi Flick names two candidates that could play as Barcelona’s no. 10

Barcelona’s 2-1 victory over Valencia wasn’t just another win; it marked the beginning of a new chapter under Hansi Flick. 

This match was special, not just for the scoreline but for the numerous firsts that came with it. Notably, young talents like Marc Bernal, Gerard Martin, and Pau Victor made their La Liga debuts. 

However, the real talking point of the match was the new role assigned to Raphinha, who has been at the centre of transfer rumours throughout the summer.

The Brazilian was handed a new responsibility, as instead of his usual position on the wing, Flick deployed him centrally, right behind Robert Lewandowski, in the number 10 role. 

The deployment had some flaws

The idea was to have Raphinha operate as the team’s main creator, a role that demanded not just flair but also a deep understanding of the game.

The experiment, however, did not go entirely as planned. Raphinha’s unfamiliarity with the central role was evident, particularly in the first half. 

He struggled to make the connections that are crucial for a player in his position, and his influence on the game was limited. 

Raphinha was used as a number 10 by Hansi Flick. (Photo by ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP via Getty Images)

Despite these challenges, Raphinha managed to end the match with three key passes, sharing the top spot in this statistic with the young sensation Lamine Yamal.

Speaking after the match, Flick acknowledged the possibility of using either Raphinha or Yamal behind the striker in future games. 

“Lamine or Raphinha could play behind the striker, either of them,” Flick mentioned, hinting at his willingness to explore different tactical options. 

Yamal, who was particularly outstanding in this match, provided an assist and continued to impress with his ability to influence the game from wide areas. 

Flick was full of praise for the youngster, stating, “Lamine Yamal is a fantastic player, and I’m glad he’s with us.”

Barça Universal’s take

From a tactical standpoint, Raphinha’s central role did not yield the desired results. While his work rate was commendable, his impact on the game was minimal. 

He did manage to win a penalty early in the second half through some smart movement, but overall, it was clear that this position does not suit his strengths. There is a high chance that Flick might reconsider using him in this role in the future.

As for Yamal, while Flick hinted at the possibility of using him centrally, the youngster’s style of play, which involves cutting into the penalty area, suggests that he is more effective on the wing. 

A more practical solution could be to use Ferran Torres in a central role, given his experience as a forward. Torres’ versatility could be crucial in supporting Lewandowski, allowing Raphinha to return to his preferred position on the left wing.

In summary, while the match against Valencia showcased some exciting possibilities under Flick, it also highlighted the need for further tactical adjustments.

Raphinha’s central role may not have been an instant success, but with players like Yamal and Torres in the squad, Flick has plenty of options to explore as he continues to shape this Barcelona team.