Flick Names Raphinha as Key Striker Ahead of Valencia Clash

Barcelona head to Mestalla on Sunday with a clear opportunity in front of them. Real Madrid’s 1-0 slip against Real Betis has cracked the door open at the top of La Liga. Hansi Flick, though, is in no mood to gamble with sentiment or reputation.

Jesus arrives, but only in doses

Jesus only walked through the doors at Barcelona on Tuesday after completing his move from Arsenal. The name is big, the expectations even bigger, but Flick cut through the noise at his press conference.

“Of course, he is not 100% ready, but he is prepared to play for a few minutes. We will see how the match goes. It is good to see the way he has worked and how calm he is,” Flick said, as quoted by AS.

So Jesus is in the squad, but as a weapon off the bench rather than the focal point of the attack. Flick wants him involved, just not overloaded. Not yet.

Raphinha takes centre stage

The real headline from Flick’s comments came in the No. 9 debate. Rather than hand a chance to Hamza, or rush Jesus, the coach made it clear: Raphinha is his striker for now.

“At this moment, I think he (Raphinha) is the best option,” Flick stated. “He initiates the dynamism of the play and the press and gives us speed. For me, he is the best option we have in this position at the moment.”

The numbers back him. Raphinha has exploded out of the blocks this season, scoring 5 goals in Barcelona’s opening three La Liga matches — more than any other player in the competition so far. His movement, his pressing, his ability to stretch defences: that is the profile Flick wants to build his front line around in Valencia.

Hamza, by contrast, has barely had a look-in. The 19-year-old’s involvement in the league has been limited to a four-minute cameo against Rayo Vallecano. For now, his path runs through patience, not promotion.

Koundé’s challenge and the bigger picture

The conversation did not stop with the forwards. Flick also addressed the situation of Jules Koundé, who has yet to lock down a starting role this season but remains central to the coach’s plans.

“He is an incredibly professional player,” Flick said. “He has not started the matches, but that represents a challenge for him. His task is to reach his best level, as he was in the 2024-2025 season. He can play well in both positions, but as is always the case, the team is the most important thing.”

Koundé’s versatility, able to operate both in central defence and on the right, offers Flick tactical flexibility as the season tightens. The message, though, was blunt: status means nothing, performance means everything.

Barcelona now walk into Mestalla with a chance to stand alone at the summit of La Liga. Flick has nailed his colours to the mast — Raphinha through the middle, Jesus in short bursts, Hamza waiting his turn. If the plan works, the table will look very different by Sunday night.