Hansi Flick has a plan to accommodate both Raphinha and a potential new winger – Report | OneFootball

There is always a way to accommodate top players, and FC Barcelona know that fact all too well. When there is too much quality in one position, it is hardly a good idea to waste players that can provide in other positions as well. However, that is much easier said than done, and Barcelona are aware of that too.

When both Lamine Yamal and Raphinha were available as right-wingers, Xavi Hernandez and Hansi Flick saw the potential in having both players on the field simultaneously. To accommodate them, however, the Brazilian forward was switched over to the left wing and it ended up being a genius idea.

Since then, both Yamal and Raphinha have gone on to put up immense numbers for Barcelona this season. Moreover, they have both been instrumental to the club’s success under Hansi Flick in his very first season, and the German coach hopes to make that a trend from here onwards.

Hansi Flick reportedly has a special plan

However, it would appear that Raphinha may have to switch positions once again if a recent report is correct about Hansi Flick’s future plans. As per information provided by SPORT, the Barcelona coach is looking to accommodate both Raphinha and a potential new winger out on the left.

Reportedly, Flick’s plan for the new season involves having Lamine Yamal out on the right wing, Raphinha as the central attacking midfielder, and a new left winger out wide. This potential new player is not exactly finalized yet, but Liverpool forward Luis Diaz seems to have Flick’s blessing and Barça’s attention as a big transfer target for them.

Barcelona reportedly want to sign Luis Diaz this summer. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Both Raphinha and Luis Diaz have their own strengths

By making use of Raphinha’s intelligence, ability to strike from distance, as well as his tendency to play as an anchor for the players around him when passing the ball around, Flick hopes to unlock a new version of him in this position that he plans to use him in. Moreover, his unquestionable work-rate makes him a great option there as well.

Furthermore, having a dribbling specialist such as Luis Diaz out on the left wing could be beneficial as well. By having him move the ball into dangerous areas out on that wing, Barcelona will then be able to count on his ability to either take shots himself or potentially play passes into Raphinha’s path.

That allows both players to make use of their qualities for Barcelona, and showcases how they could potentially be compatible with one another. However, these are all hypotheticals for now, and a new signing will have to arrive first before Hansi Flick can put such an idea into action.

As for what is definitely guaranteed, Raphinha’s new contract now extends his stay at Barcelona. Set to stay with the Catalan giants until 2028 now, the Brazilian forward will get his chance to continue proving his worth to Barça for many more years.