Mundo Deportivo: Barcelona's Failure to Sign Alvarez Leads Flick to Build a No-Fixed-Striker System

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona's failure to sign Julian Alvarez has led the club to develop a system without a fixed center-forward, with multiple players contributing to scoring.

Barcelona under Flick have shown an almost flawless level of form at the start of the season. Unexpectedly, failing to sign Julian Alvarez has instead produced positive effects, allowing this excellent squad to find the most natural path for development. Previously, there had been constant discussion about who should replace Robert Lewandowski, with speculation about signing Haaland, Kane, or Julian Alvarez, while repeatedly emphasizing that the team needed a focal point in attack.

However, Flick and Deco once again adapted to the situation and reached a sensible conclusion: after Julian Alvarez failed to join, the best response was not to sign any player, at least not one who would change the team's system. Even if Gabriel Jesus were to play as a center-forward, he would likely only be one tactical option.

Among all the decisions made during Laporta's era, this may be the one most aligned with Cruyff's philosophy, because the team must rely on multiple players to solve the scoring problem together. This Barcelona side, now entering Flick's third season in charge, is very similar to Cruyff's team before Romario's arrival. That Barcelona won three consecutive La Liga titles and one Champions League trophy, and likewise had no fixed attacking focal point. Any player could move forward from deeper positions into the striker role without needing to occupy that space in advance.

Recently, some have argued that Barcelona do not need a center-forward because Raphinha is the striker, but this statement is not entirely accurate. Yamal and Fermin are also taking on center-forward responsibilities, and Gakpo may potentially do the same in the future. Barcelona have no fixed striker because everyone can become the striker, and combinations can allow teammates to become the ones who finish attacks.

The statistics reflect this: after the first four rounds of La Liga, three Barcelona players were among the top five scorers in the league. This is not just a numerical advantage. At the beginning of Flick's third season in charge, Barcelona have reached new levels in movement, chance creation, and match tempo.

Without a pure center-forward like Lewandowski, Barcelona's attack appears to have been unlocked. The team is currently in excellent form, clearly ahead of clubs considered its rivals, and has sent a signal that it can challenge among Europe's elite, with a genuine chance to compete for the Champions League title. Mundo Deportivo concluded that although it may sound unfortunate, Julian Alvarez's failure to join Barcelona has actually turned out to be a good thing for the club.