Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has said “unbelievable” Raphinha is one of the best in the world after converting the Brazilian into a striker this season.
After failing in an attempt to sign Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez this summer, Flick has used Raphinha as Barça’s No. 9 following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres.
The results have been devastating, with the former Leeds United winger scoring eight goals in five games as the Spanish champions have opened the campaign with four straight wins in LaLiga and another victory in the Champions League in midweek.
“Rapha has played fantastic,” Flick said in a news conference ahead of Sunday’s trip to Levante when asked about his striking options.
“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.”
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Raphinha was signed as a right winger, produced his best performances under Flick as a left winger and is now excelling as a centre forward, flanked by Lamine Yamal and Anthony Gordon or Karim Adeyemi.
However, Flick says he also has other options to play through the middle, including summer signing Gabriel Jesus and young Egypt international Hamza Abdelkarim, who this week agreed a new contract until 2030.
“Raphinha, Gabby and Hamza are three different profiles, but there are other ways we could play,” the German coach continued.
“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 Fermín [López]. We have a lot of options.”
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Led by Raphinha, Barça’s attack has been frightening this season, netting five goals in four of their five games to date and 22 in total.
In addition to Raphinha’s eight goals, Yamal has also scored five and López has netted four, but Flick also wanted to single out the team’s defence, led by teenager Pau Cubarsí, with just three goals conceded so far.
“When I see the xG [expected goals] we have in every game, it’s good, but also the xG against us is much better than last season,” Flick said.
“It helps us a lot. For me, after the World Cup, [Cubarsí] played fantastic. For me, he’s playing on another level at the moment.
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“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.”
Barça will look to extend their perfect start to the campaign when they travel to Levante on Sunday. They have no new injury concerns, with long-term absentees Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji the only players missing.
