5 Games, 8 Goals: After Being Converted Into a Striker, He Became the Answer Barcelona Needed Most

Raphinha scored twice in Barcelona's Champions League opening match against Feyenoord, helping the club secure victory and bringing his personal goal tally to eight in his first five matches of the season.

A month ago, there was still widespread concern within Barcelona about the forward line. Robert Lewandowski left after his contract expired at the end of June, and Ferran Torres was sold to Paris Saint-Germain in mid-August. The club had originally wanted Julian Alvarez, but Atletico Madrid refused to let him leave. A Barcelona board member anonymously said during the preseason training camp: "There is no No. 9 anymore."

The role change from winger to No. 9

Head coach Flick moved Raphinha from the left side into the center this season, asking him to play as a No. 9. The 29-year-old Brazilian had previously rarely played this position in a systematic way during his club career, but the adjustment has not looked unnatural. His first goal against Feyenoord came in the third minute, when he received a pass from Yamal, drove into the penalty area, used one touch to get away from two defenders, and calmly finished with a low shot. The second goal came from a well-timed late run into the box and a decisive finish.

When Raphinha joined Barcelona from Leeds United in July 2022, he was positioned as a right winger. At the time, Dembele was Barcelona's first choice on the right, and then-manager Xavi trusted the Frenchman more, leaving Raphinha waiting for opportunities. After Dembele moved to Paris the following summer, Raphinha received more chances, but he was often substituted for Torres during matches and had several moments when he left the pitch emotionally and needed teammates to calm him down. In January 2024, Yamal firmly took over the starting role on the right wing, and when Raphinha returned from injury, he found that a 16-year-old player was already ahead of him in the pecking order.

Consistent output brought by the new position

Raphinha's performances in the No. 9 role have temporarily eased Barcelona's previous concerns over their attack. He makes active runs, presses effectively, and has shown high efficiency when dealing with chances, while also making the team's attacking play more direct. Despite leaving the wing area he knows best, he appears to have adapted without discomfort. His two goals against Feyenoord also continued to raise his scoring numbers this season.