Raphinha’s scoring form gives Hansi Flick selection call at Barcelona a fresh edge

Hansi Flick has assessed Raphinha’s performances as the Brazilian winger continues to operate in a forward role for Barcelona.

The 29-year-old has made a decisive impact at the start of the Spanish league season, scoring five goals and providing one assist across Barcelona’s opening three matches. Raphinha has featured in every league game so far, giving Flick an influential attacking option ahead of the club’s fourth-round fixture.

Barcelona travel to face Valencia next, with kick-off scheduled for 17:15 Moscow time. The match will provide another opportunity for Raphinha to continue his strong start to the campaign and for Flick to judge how effectively he can contribute from an advanced position.

Flick has also indicated that Lamine Yamal could begin the match on the substitutes’ bench against Valencia. That possibility adds another selection issue for the Barcelona manager as he finalises his attacking line-up for the away fixture.

Raphinha’s early-season figures are the clearest measure of his contribution. After appearing in all three of Barcelona’s league matches, he has already found the net five times and supplied one assist. Those numbers have made his role in the forward line a central talking point before the trip to Valencia.

The match will be Barcelona’s fourth in the Spanish championship this season. Valencia will host Flick’s side, and the scheduled start time is 17:15 in Moscow.

Flick’s comments come as he weighs the roles of Raphinha and Lamine Yamal in the team. Raphinha has been used in a forward position despite being recognised as a winger, while Yamal may have to wait for his chance from the start against Valencia.

For Barcelona, the immediate focus is on maintaining their momentum in the league. Raphinha’s five goals and one assist have made him one of the team’s most productive players after three rounds, while Flick must decide how to shape his attack for the next challenge.

The German manager’s evaluation of Raphinha’s displays underlines the Brazilian’s importance to Barcelona’s plans. His performances have combined regular involvement with a significant return in front of goal, and the Valencia fixture will be the next test of his effectiveness in the forward role.

Barcelona’s visit to Valencia therefore carries a further selection dimension beyond the scheduling of the fourth-round match. Flick is considering whether to retain Raphinha in attack and whether Lamine Yamal should be left among the substitutes when the two sides meet.