Barcelona hand Rodri first start as Flick names attacking trio for Valencia clash

Hans-Dieter Flick has named Rodri in Barcelona’s starting line-up for the first time since the midfielder’s high-profile move from Manchester City during the summer transfer window.

The Spain international starts in midfield against Valencia on Sunday, while Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim has been included among the substitutes.

Flick has also selected an attacking front three of Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Anthony Gordon. Yamal’s inclusion comes despite the winger missing Barcelona’s final group training session before the match, when he worked only in the gym.

Barcelona went into the fourth round of La Liga level at the top of the table on nine points, alongside Real Madrid and Real Betis. The match against Valencia therefore gives Flick’s side the opportunity to maintain its perfect start and strengthen its position among the early leaders.

Rodri’s selection is the main change of interest in the Barcelona team. His move from Manchester City was one of the major developments of the summer transfer window, and Sunday’s match represents his first appearance in the starting XI since completing that transfer.

Flick has opted to retain Yamal despite the concern created by his absence from the final collective training session. The teenager will line up alongside Raphinha and Gordon, giving Barcelona a three-man attack for the meeting with Valencia.

Barcelona’s full starting line-up is:

Juan Garcia; Espart, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Eric Garcia; Pedri, Rodri, Fermin Lopez; Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Anthony Gordon.

Hamza Abdelkarim will begin the game on the bench.

The team announcement was also published through Barcelona’s official pre-match line-up graphic, ahead of the league fixture at Valencia. Fليك’s decision to start Rodri and use an aggressive attacking set-up will be closely watched as Barcelona attempt to continue their early-season challenge at the top of La Liga.

Yamal’s fitness was an additional point of interest before kick-off. Although he did not take part in the final team session on the pitch, Flick has judged him fit enough to start, with the forward included in the attack alongside Raphinha and Gordon.

Barcelona, Real Madrid and Real Betis each had nine points before the fixture, making the outcome particularly significant in the opening stages of the campaign. Valencia, meanwhile, are the opponents as Barcelona seek another strong result under Flick.