Hansi Flick’s big dilemma ahead of the Rayo Vallecano clash – report | OneFootball

Hansi Flick has made it clear that his second season at Barcelona will have more rotations than his previous campaign and less difference between the bench and starting players.

With the long season ahead, that is the only sustainable route.

The centre-forward position, thus, was one that generated worry this summer considering that the club do not have a direct replacement for Robert Lewandowski.

The coach, however, has had his plan clear all along as he sees Ferran Torres to be the second number 9 in his squad, so much so that he will fight on level terms with the Polish star for the place in the starting lineup this season.

A decision to make

Flick made it clear to Lewandowski in a conversation earlier this month that the veteran would have to fight it out with Torres to earn his starting place in the team, especially given the goalscoring form of the latter is in.

Who will Hansi Flick pick between Ferran Torres and Lewandowski? (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Mundo Deportivo now bring to light that the manager faces that very dilemma ahead of Barcelona’s game against Rayo Vallecano – whether to start Torres, who is in a great run of form, or Lewandowski, who has recovered from his injury setback.

In the absence of the veteran who was injured towards the end of pre-season, Torres started both of Barcelona’s games so far and scored on both nights – proving that he can be a lethal presence in the box.

Leaving Lewandowski on the bench immediately after he returns from injury, especially given how sharp he looked in pre-season, would also be unfair.

The manager, thus, must make his pick between the two soon, but it is likely that the Spaniard will retain his starting position flanked by Raphinha and Lamine Yamal.