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‘Leader’ Raphinha emerges as Barcelona’s unlikely answer at No. 9

From Daily Sabah · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Raphinha has scored five goals in three La Liga games while playing as Barcelona’s center forward.
  • Barcelona won its first three league matches and turned to Gabriel Jesus after failing to sign Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez.
  • Coach Hansi Flick has praised Raphinha as a world-class player and one of Barcelona’s leaders, while his role may continue alongside Jesus.

Barcelona spent much of the summer looking for a new star striker. Instead, Raphinha has made the search look less urgent by scoring five goals in three games while playing out of position as the team’s No. 9.

I don't think I'm coming to improve the team because it's already great. I'm just coming to help.

· Gabriel JesusJesus described his role after joining Barcelona.

The Brazilian winger’s start has helped Barcelona win all three of its league matches before Sunday’s trip to Valencia. The defending champions sit on nine points, level with Jose Mourinho’s revamped Real Madrid and Real Betis. Barcelona had wanted Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez after the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, but the club settled for a deadline-day deal for Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus.

Jesus faces a difficult battle for minutes in an attack already flourishing around Raphinha. “I don't think I'm coming to improve the team because it's already great,” Jesus said at his presentation. “I'm just coming to help.” Coach Hansi Flick expects Raphinha to remain at center forward in the coming weeks, although Champions League football will require him to rotate the squad. Raphinha’s injury problems last season could also increase Jesus’ opportunities.

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

· Hansi FlickFlick endorsed Raphinha’s continued role as Barcelona’s center forward.

Flick’s arrival marked a change for Raphinha, who had grown frustrated under Xavi Hernandez. The former Leeds United winger became central to Barcelona’s system under Flick, helping the club win back-to-back league titles and earning the respect of his teammates. “He's the best option for us at the moment in this position,” Flick said, adding that Raphinha is a “world-class footballer” and one of Barcelona’s “leaders.”

He's a world-class footballer. I always want him on my team.

· Hansi FlickFlick praised Raphinha’s quality and importance to Barcelona.

Raphinha has also taken on a larger leadership role. He received the captain’s armband this season and sets the tone for Flick’s pressing game from the front. Marc Bernal called him a role model who helps younger players and said Barcelona wants a captain who is approachable. With Raphinha thriving centrally, Jesus will have to work to dislodge him.

Raphinha is a role model because he helps us all a lot, especially the younger ones.

· Marc BernalBernal discussed Raphinha’s leadership and influence on younger players.
About this summary

Originally published by Daily Sabah in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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