Flick backs Raphinha to lead Barcelona’s attack after prolific start

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick says Raphinha is the best option to lead the attack for now, after the Brazil winger scored five goals in three La Liga matches while operating as an unfamiliar centre-forward.

Raphinha has started the season in devastating form ahead of Barcelona’s visit to Valencia at Mestalla on Sunday, suggesting the Catalan club may already possess the firepower it sought during a summer pursuit of Atletico de Madrid striker Julian Alvarez.

Barcelona have won all three of their league games and sit on nine points alongside Jose Mourinho’s revamped Real Madrid and Real Betis, who beat Real Madrid 1-0 on Friday.

The club had wanted a new forward to strengthen an attack previously led by Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, who left earlier in the summer. Barcelona eventually completed a deadline-day deal for former Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal.

Jesus, however, acknowledged at his presentation on Tuesday that improving a team already performing so well would be difficult.

"I don't think I'm coming to improve (the team) because it's already... great," admitted Jesus.

"I'm just coming to help."

Raphinha is expected to continue as Barcelona’s number nine in the coming weeks, although the return of Champions League football will give Flick further reason to rotate his squad. The 29-year-old endured several injury problems last season, meaning Jesus could provide valuable support and reduce the Brazilian’s workload.

Flick’s appointment marked a significant change for Raphinha, who had become increasingly frustrated during Xavi Hernandez’s time in charge. Under the German coach, the former Leeds United winger has developed into a key figure in Barcelona’s system, helping the club secure back-to-back league titles while earning the respect of his team-mates.

"In this moment (Raphinha) is doing really great," said Flick on Saturday.

"He's the best option for us at the moment in this position."

Flick was disappointed when Raphinha was left out of the 2025 Ballon d’Or, and said this week he was not surprised by the speed with which the player had adapted to a central role.

"Of course I expected his performance - he's a world-class footballer. I always want him on my team," said Flick, who has described Raphinha as one of Barcelona’s “leaders”.

The forward’s influence is not limited to his goals. Flick places great importance on pressing, and Raphinha’s willingness to chase defenders from the front allows him to establish the intensity Barcelona require.

"Sometimes I feel like I'm annoying for my teammates," Raphinha admitted last season, referring to his determination to maintain high standards and ensure his colleagues match his work rate.

He has also been handed the captain’s armband this season. Rather than competing with Anthony Gordon for a place on the left wing, Raphinha has established himself in the central role and shown that he will be difficult to dislodge.

"Raphinha is a role model because he helps us all a lot. Especially the younger ones. He's approachable, and that's what we want, a captain like that," Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal told DAZN.

Raphinha scored twice in the opening game of the campaign, a 5-0 win against Elche, before finding the net again in the 2-0 victory over Athletic Club. He then scored another two goals in Monday’s 5-2 win against Rayo Vallecano.

The question now is whether he can maintain that exceptional scoring rate over a sustained period, particularly against teams prepared to defend deeper. Barcelona’s first three opponents have offered space for Raphinha to attack, and that room may be harder to find against more cautious defensive systems.

The match at Mestalla could provide a different test under Valencia manager Carlos Corberan. Since joining Barcelona in 2022, though, Raphinha has repeatedly answered the challenges placed in front of him.