Emphatic win vs Elche sparks debate at Barcelona over signing a new striker | OneFootball

Barcelona’s search for a new number nine was arguably the club’s biggest worry heading into their opening game against Elche.

With Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres both gone, and no direct replacement signed, many feared the Catalans would look toothless up front.

But a comprehensive 5-0 win revealed that Hansi Flick’s side are far from short of firepower, even without a recognised centre-forward.

No striker, no problem

As reported by Diario AS, the victory at the Martinez Valero has shifted the entire debate around Barcelona’s need for a number nine.

Barcelona did not miss a number nine vs Elche. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)

Raphinha thrived as the false nine, a role he knows well, bagging a brace, while Fermin Lopez also scored twice to underline just how lethal he can be arriving in the box.

Summer signing Karim Adeyemi got on the scoresheet too, producing a sharp finish. And Barcelona still have more attacking resources to call upon. Lamine

Yamal is not yet at 100%, Dani Olmo offers another false-nine option, and Anthony Gordon can also operate centrally despite playing as a provider against Elche.

It became evident that this Barcelona side can still do plenty of damage without a classic striker.

Number nine still the priority

New signing Adeyemi scored a goal as well. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)

That said, both Flick and Deco still want a number nine, a stance neither has wavered from. What has changed is the perception that the team is toothless without one.

The real question now is whether Barcelona can aspire to everything without a specialist striker.

In La Liga, the array of options should generate more than enough chances. The Champions League, however, is a different challenge entirely.

With one week left in the window, Barcelona will keep pushing for Julian Alvarez, but the Elche win means Deco can afford to wait rather than sign in a panic.

This single aspect could prove to be extremely important given that Barcelona have been linked with every other striker in Europe as a potential alternative for Alvarez this summer.