Hansi Flick praises Raphinha as world class after central striker switch | OneFootball

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has declared Raphinha among the game’s elite after reinventing the Brazilian as a central striker. The switch has sharpened Barcelona’s attack at the start of the season.

According to Goal.com, the change followed a failed attempt to sign Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez and the exits of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, and it has paid off. Speaking to the press, Flick said the 29-year-old has been fantastic and on another level, rating him among the best when in this form.

Raphinha has begun centrally with eight goals in five matches, with Lamine Yamal, Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi supplying width. The run includes four straight league wins and a midweek Champions League victory.

Flick outlined alternatives through the middle, noting that Raphinha, Gabby and Hamza offer different profiles. He said Anthony, Karim, Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez can all operate there if required.

He credited defensive gains too, singling out Pau Cubarsi’s maturity and physical growth. Barcelona have conceded only three goals so far, and Flick said their xG against is better than last season while praising Cubarsi’s assurance on the ball.

Barcelona visit Levante on Sunday aiming to keep a 100 per cent start. They are two points clear of Alaves and three ahead of Real Madrid, with no fresh injuries, while long-term absentees Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji remain out.

Source: Goal.com

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