Flick backs Raphinha to lead Barcelona’s attack in new striker role

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick says Raphinha has the hunger, mentality and leadership needed to spearhead the team’s pressing after moving into the number nine role.

Barcelona travel to face Sevilla on Saturday with a perfect record of 18 points from six La Liga matches, and Raphinha’s form has been central to their strong start.

The Brazil international has scored nine goals in six games, making him the competition’s leading scorer after being deployed as a central striker at the beginning of the season.

“When you look at the last two seasons, you will see that we always started the pressing process from the number nine,” Flick said at a news conference on Friday.

“Raphinha has the hunger, desire and mentality we need to start pressing in the way we want.”

Flick added that the 28-year-old’s contribution extended beyond his attacking performances, with his example setting the tone for the rest of the side.

“He is not only performing at an excellent level in attack, but he is also doing a great job defensively,” said the German.

“Raphinha starts the pressing and, as the captain of the team, he leads from the front. The others follow him.”

Barcelona turned to Raphinha in the central role after the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, while the arrival of Gabriel Jesus was delayed. The club had also failed to sign Julian Alvarez, their primary target to strengthen the forward line during the summer.

Despite the change in position, Raphinha has made an immediate impact, finding the net nine times in the opening six matches.

Flick ‘100%’ behind Adeyemi

Flick also praised new signing Karim Adeyemi, highlighting the Germany forward’s exceptional pace while stopping short of calling him the fastest player he has coached.

“He is very fast, but I do not know whether he is the fastest of all the players I have trained,” Flick said. “Alphonso Davies has similar speed.”

The Barcelona manager said Adeyemi had quickly earned the respect of his team-mates and had made a positive impression away from the pitch.

“He is a good young man and a great person, and he is highly respected in the dressing room,” said Flick.

“Everyone likes him a lot, and his performances in matches make things easier.”

Flick believes Adeyemi’s move to Barcelona came at the right moment in his career, after a difficult period in Germany.

“I think he was not going through the best period of his life in Germany, so it was better for him to change the environment and move to another country,” he said.

“I am very happy that he chose us. I will give him confidence and I believe in Karim 100%. We will see more matches like the one he produced on Wednesday.”