‘If they can sign a player like him…’ – Koeman names the perfect striker for Barcelona | OneFootball

Former Barcelona manager and defender Ronald Koeman believes the club may be entering another historic cycle of success under Hansi Flick, but he also feels one major piece will eventually be needed to fully complete the project after Robert Lewandowski.

The current Netherlands national football team coach spoke positively about Barcelona’s recent progress while also analysing the direction the club is heading following another successful domestic campaign.

Praise for La Masia

According to Koeman, the biggest reason for optimism is not just the trophies already won, but the quality emerging once again from La Masia.

Discussing Barcelona’s development under Flick, the Dutchman said, 

“We might be seeing the start of a new era of dominance. No team in the world produces players of such quality as Barcelona does through La Masia.”

Ronald Koeman has praised Hansi Flick’s project. (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images)

Koeman also praised the work done by both the coaching staff and the squad during the title-winning period. 

“It’s a great achievement for Flick and the players to have won two La Liga titles; they have a bright future ahead of them.”

Barcelona still need an elite goalscorer

Despite the optimism surrounding the current project, Koeman made it clear that Barcelona will eventually need to solve one crucial issue, which is replacing Lewandowski.

Now that he is set to leave at the end of the season, the club is preparing for the future while searching for the next long-term leader of the attack and for Koeman, the profile required is obvious.

Koeman has suggested Haaland to Barcelona. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

The former Barcelona coach believes a natural number nine remains essential if the club want to dominate Europe again.

“A number 9 has to be a goalscorer. Ferran is doing very well.”

Koeman then revealed the player he personally considers the ideal solution for Barcelona moving forward. 

“It’s up to Barça to see if they can try to bring in the best striker. Right now, for me, the best is Haaland, who lives to score goals.”

The Dutchman concluded, “If Barça can sign a player like him, that’s something else.”

Source: AS