It was always expected to be a big hurdle for Hansi Flick to figure out his best structure at FC Barcelona once he arrived. However, it barely took him any time to implement his ideas within the team’s play and the results came right away. Using many of the tactics he used formerly at Bayern Munich, Flick has managed to transform Barcelona.
Typically making use of a 4-2-3-1 formation that can adapt as a 4-3-3 when needed, Flick has some clear roles assigned within the team. One of the most important roles, however, is that of the ‘10’ right behind the centre-forward. This particular position requires both immense awareness and high levels of technical ability to play properly.
So far this season, the player that Hansi Flick has decided to trust as his primary ‘10’ is none other than summer signing Dani Olmo. The Spaniard possesses all the right qualities to play that role, and he has showcased that so far this season.
However, physical issues have plagued him at times and that has led to other players having been tested in that role as well. As highlighted by SPORT, even beyond just Dani Olmo, there are a lot of options at Barcelona for that particular role that extends to places beyond just the players in the first team.
Pablo Torre was one of the first players to be tested in that position during the team’s preseason, and he has been a consistent performer there whenever trusted by Flick. Similarly, both Raphinha and Ferran Torres have alternated within that role as well in some games.
Pedri is another player who occupied that space when Dani Olmo was unavailable, and Fermin Lopez also offers a more dynamic option that Hansi Flick tends to make use of more in the UEFA Champions League to improve the intensity that his team plays with. Similarly, Frenkie de Jong’s latest cameo in that role against RCD Mallorca ended with him grabbing a goal and an assist, giving Flick yet another superb option to consider as well.
However, even beyond just these players, there are also those in the first team that remain untested but possess the right qualities. Gavi, for instance, possesses the intelligence and creativity to thrive in that role as well if given the opportunity.
Similarly, both Lamine Yamal and Pau Victor have experience in related roles from their formative years, and that could be another thing that Hansi Flick could potentially make use of. Even Ansu Fati, when fit, has been used in that role at times.
However, there are others beyond just the first team who could also possibly make a name for themselves in the future when it comes to that particular role.
Unai Hernandez, Toni Fernandez, and his cousin Guille Fernandez have all shown great promise with similar traits and have reportedly been monitored accordingly as well. Moreover, having trained with the first team, Hansi Flick may have a good idea of their current standings and what exactly they could bring to the team.
