Barcelona pre-season highlights the main strength in Hansi Flick’s system | OneFootball

Barcelona’s pre-season tour of Asia offered plenty of insights into what Hansi Flick is planning for the 2025/26 campaign. But one thing stood out above the rest – versatility.

In a time when the club still faces difficulties registering new players due to financial restrictions, Flick’s clear reliance on adaptable players could be the solution that keeps Barça competitive.

Barcelona’s inability to reinforce specific positions, especially in defence, has meant that creative internal solutions have become essential.

Although there were hopes of signing a new full-back, the club eventually ruled out that option.

Instead, Flick has doubled down on the talent already within the squad and La Masia, which has once again stepped up to fill the gaps.

The German coach, now entering his second season, made it clear on tour that the philosophy of developing multirole players is not only continuing but thriving.

This approach has become a crucial part of a long-term project that is exciting supporters and already producing results.

Adaptability at the heart of Barcelona’s evolution

The reliance on La Masia and the flexibility of certain first-team players is shaping how Barça will approach the season.

Hansi Flick values player versatility. (Photo by Han Myung-Gu/Getty Images)

Eric Garcia, for example, is back in the mix as a right-back option after ending last season on a high when Jules Kounde was out injured.

His performances proved that he can be trusted in multiple roles, giving Flick options without the need for new signings.

Similarly, players like Ferran Torres and Marcus Rashford bring versatility in attack, both capable of playing wide or as a central striker.

Raphinha, perhaps the best example, is a true modern footballer. Whether out wide, cutting inside, supporting midfield, or pressing high, he is the kind of all-rounder Flick values highly.

Then there is Gavi, who can operate in a double pivot, can also play as an attacking midfielder and also as a wide player.

Lastly, on the Asia tour, Flick even tried Gerard Martin as a centre-back, a bold but thoughtful move that shows how open he is to experimenting and trusting youth.

In modern football, having players who can operate in multiple positions is more than a luxury. For Barcelona, it is also a strategy born out of need.

Flick’s approach is not just about solving short-term issues, but also about building a team capable of adapting, evolving, and dominating for years to come.