Raphinha embraces central attacking role under Hansi Flick at Barcelona
FC Barcelona forward Raphinha has transformed his career at age 30 by transitioning from a winger into a prolific central striker under manager Hansi Flick, SO FOOT.com reported. The Brazilian international, who arrived at Camp Nou in 2022 as a right winger, has adapted his movement and goalscoring instincts to spearhead the Catalan attack.
The tactical shift emerged out of necessity following squad departures including Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres, and Marcus Rashford, alongside an unsuccessful summer pursuit of Julián Álvarez. When a lack of available central options forced a makeshift solution against Basel, Flick tested Raphinha through the middle during pre-season trials.
From left wing to central striker
Raphinha detailed the evolution of his positioning in an interview with The Guardian, explaining how gradual adjustments over the preceding two seasons prepared him for the role. “There was no number 9 for the match against Basel, so I played in that position,” Raphinha told The Guardian. “During pre-season, we did a few tests: the coach liked what he saw and, after the match against Basel, he spoke to me a bit about his idea.”
Raphinha (19 réalisations) est le meilleur buteur avec un club des 10 grands championnats en compétition officielle cette saison devant Vangelis Pavlidis (18). #FCBAVL
The transition required moving closer to goal after years of operating wide. Before facing Elche, Flick consulted the forward regarding his comfort level in the central role. Raphinha confirmed he was content to continue, though noting the option to revert remained open if necessary. A subsequent two-goal performance against Newcastle United solidified the ongoing experiment.
Restoring confidence under Hansi Flick
The player’s current prominence marks a sharp contrast to his standing in the summer of 2024. Worn down by previous management under Xavi, the emergence of Lamine Yamal, and the club’s pursuit of Nico Williams, Raphinha had mentally prepared to leave Barcelona.
“In my head, I knew I was going to leave. It was already decided, mentally, that’s the truth,” Raphinha told The Guardian. A phone call from Flick while the player was in Brazil altered that trajectory. “He told me to come and talk to him before making a definitive decision. I met him and he told me he trusted me, that I was going to play an important role, and that the team’s style of play would suit me well.”
Flick praises Raphinha for leading defensive pressing
Teammate Rodri highlighted the forward’s physical durability in remarks to Mundo Deportivo, noting that Raphinha maintains the exceptional work rate of a younger player. Flick has repeatedly praised the Brazilian’s defensive commitment, pointing out that Barcelona’s defensive pressure initiates from the frontline.
“If you look at the last two seasons, our pressing almost always started from the striker,” Flick said following a 7-2 victory over Racing Santander in September. “Raphinha has this thirst, this intensity, and this willingness to launch the pressing as we want.”
Raphinha assumes captaincy role amid contract talks
Following the loan departures of Ronald Araújo to Liverpool and Marc-André Ter Stegen to Ajax, Raphinha has assumed leadership responsibilities as a team captain. His on-field output this season includes goals against all but two opponents across competitions—Real Betis and Paris Saint-Germain.
Club management has aligned the forward’s long-term future with the team’s sporting project through a projected contract extension that runs until 2030, securing the veteran forward’s role within Flick’s tactical framework.
