Barcelona: Raphinha Reactivates 'Flick Mode'

This is not Carlo Ancelotti's Raphinha; the 30-year-old forward has returned as Hansi Flick's Raphinha, reappearing with almost all the "modes" that made the 61-year-old coach's tactical system successful.

"For me, Raphinha is the most important player thanks to the intensity he brings. He is one of the captains and always gives his all for the team. Raphinha always fights fiercely," Flick said after Barcelona's loss to Udinese in the friendly tournament last week.

The German tactician is very clear about this. If he had to choose a single player to represent the philosophy he wants to build at Barcelona, Raphinha would be at the top of the list. And the number 11 has reappeared with a goal and a relentless fighting spirit, making him the most important factor for Flick. The Brazilian forward played the full 45 minutes in the match against Nottingham Forest. These were his first minutes with the team during the preseason, after joining the training camp at St. George's Park at the end of July.

The number 11 had to sit out for a month and a half due to an injury sustained at the 2026 World Cup with the Brazilian national team. Although his fitness was not at its best, he still made a decisive impact with a penalty goal. More importantly, he demonstrated all the qualities that Flick values highly in him.

These are his innate ability to move, press, exploit spaces, and give opponents no time to breathe. He always fights with full commitment, never holding back. Playing on the left wing, the 30-year-old forward frequently swaps positions with Karim Adeyemi and also cuts inside.

For Flick, Raphinha plays a key role not only because of his statistics, but especially because of his off-the-ball play. His movements dictate the opponent's play and help create space for his teammates.

Flick wants Barcelona to play with high speed and intensity. He wants the team to apply high pressure and react quickly as soon as they lose possession. That is why he highly values one of the team's captains, while also demanding the recruitment of Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi.

One of the fiercest competitions of the upcoming season will take place on the left flank of Barcelona's attack. Gordon, an England international, is not merely a backup option. He has come to compete fairly with Raphinha for a starting spot. The Catalan club spent over €70 million for the former Newcastle player, showing that this investment is significant for both the short-term and long-term plans of the club.

But the reality is that to compete with Raphinha, who has played long enough at Camp Nou and fully embodies Flick's philosophy, it is an unequal battle. However, this is certainly all part of the German strategist's plan.

Raphinha often played as a number 10 behind the strikers last season and tried to adapt to this role. This is also how people view an all-around Raphinha under the German tactician.