Hansi Flick should really start €9 million-rated Barcelona star against Newcastle United — Opinion | OneFootball

FC Barcelona face an important away trip to England, where they will take on Newcastle United in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16. The Catalan club will be keen to gain an advantage against Eddie Howe’s team.

The two teams have already faced each other earlier this season. Barcelona emerged victorious, securing an important 2-1 win thanks to a brace from Marcus Rashford. That game provides a template they can build on later tonight.

One important decision that Barcelona and Hansi Flick need to get right is selecting the ideal XI from the available players to exploit Newcastle United’s weaknesses. We at Sempre Barca believe the German manager should really start Robert Lewandowski.

The €9 million-rated Polish veteran may be advancing in years and is no longer the prolific force he was in front of goal during his prime. However, he still offers a physical presence in the box and could be key to Barcelona’s success tonight.

Against a pair of physical central defenders like Malick Thiaw and Dan Burn, Lewandowski’s elite hold-up play would be vital for Barcelona. He is also strong in aerial duels and adds height at both attacking and defensive corners.

Lewandowski missed the recent Atletico Madrid game at the Spotify Camp Nou after suffering a facial bone fracture. It has to be said that Barcelona missed him dearly that night. The flipside is that he is now well rested ahead of the Newcastle game.

Even if the Pole does not score against Howe’s side tonight, his ability to drop deep could create a great deal of chaos for Barcelona, in a positive sense. This would allow the likes of Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Fermin Lopez to thrive.

Everything points to Barcelona needing to be at their best to beat Newcastle in a difficult away atmosphere. Lewandowski could be the most important player in making that happen, and it remains to be seen whether Hansi Flick starts the Pole in the Champions League tonight.