Raphinha backs Barcelona to adapt amid Julian Alvarez uncertainty

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Barca News Network

·24 August 2026

Raphinha backs Barcelona to adapt amid Julian Alvarez uncertainty

FC Barcelona went into their first match of the 2026-27 season with several significant changes in the team. However, this game once again confirmed an aspect that has been quite clear for the last two seasons, i.e., Raphinha remains one of the most important players for Hansi Flick.

The Brazilian went into this game as the first captain of the team, and put in a captain’s performance, scoring two goals, as he played in the center-forward position to help his side get a 5-0 win against Elche. Furthermore, as Flick noted in his post-match press conference, he also led the team in pressing.

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As Mundo Deportivo has noted, the forward also talked to the media after the match. After scoring one of his goals, the Brazilian star celebrated with a Spider-Man-style pose, which some referred to as a nod to Julian Alvarez. However, the Barcelona star clarified that this was only for his son, and went on to ensure that the team has the capability to adapt even if a new center-forward is not signed:

“This is something I’ll leave to Deco, the president and the manager. Whatever the manager asks of us, we will do it with great determination. We have enough ability to adapt to any position.”

Despite the scoreline, Raphinha made it clear that this was not an easy game:

“I think whether the game is easy or difficult depends on us. If we start the match at the highest level from the very first minute, I think it becomes very easy. The opposing team didn’t make it easy for us; this is a very difficult ground and they are a team that likes to have the ball. We did very well from the start of the match, and that made things easier for us.”

It remains to be seen whether Barcelona will sign a new center-forward with only a week left till the summer transfer window closes. The Catalans continue to wait for Julian Alvarez, but have also been working on some alternatives, like Lautaro Martinez and Nicolo Tresoldi.

However, even if they are unable to land any new player for this position, the team’s performance in their first game makes it clear that this will not entirely be a calamity for them. Raphinha and other forwards can adapt to play in the center of the attack and get the job done at a very satisfactory level.