Hansi Flick Hails Raphinha as 'Unbelievable' in New Striker Role

Raphinha has scored eight goals in five games this season after Hansi Flick converted the Brazilian winger into a No. 9 for Barcelona.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has labeled Raphinha one of the best players in the world following the Brazilian’s transition to a center forward role. The former Leeds United winger has recorded eight goals in five matches this season, helping the Spanish champions secure four consecutive LaLiga victories and a midweek Champions League win. Flick moved Raphinha to the No. 9 position after the club failed to sign Julián Álvarez and saw the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres.

Barça’s attack has produced 22 goals in five games, netting five times in four of those fixtures. Lamine Yamal has contributed five goals while Fermín López has added four. Raphinha currently leads the line flanked by Yamal and either Anthony Gordon or Karim Adeyemi. Flick noted that summer signing Gabriel Jesus, Dani Olmo, and Hamza Abdelkarim—who recently signed a contract extension until 2030—provide additional options through the middle.

Defensively, Barcelona has conceded three goals across five games. Flick credited 17-year-old Pau Cubarsí for the team's improved expected goals against (xG) metrics, citing the teenager's physical development and composure with the ball. The club heads into Sunday’s fixture at Levante with a nearly full squad, as Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji remain the only long-term injury absences.