Hansi Flick's cycle at FC Barcelona has begun with 7 'starters' who, so far, have played practically everything in LaLiga. In the first four days of the tournament, the German coach has made few adjustments to his lineup, which makes it clear that, after the first month of competition, the Heidelberg coach is not only clear about the base scheme, but also about the team to face. the first half of 2024/25.
For now, Marc-André ter Stegen, Jules Koundé, Iñigo Martínez, Pau Cubarsí, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski have been untouchable for the coach. The first three, in fact, have played every possible minute (360), just like the Brazilian winger; while Lamine barely rested a handful of minutes against Valencia on matchday 1. Cubarsi has been replaced with half an hour left in two games and 'Lewy' only rested 17' against Valladolid.
Another who aimed to remain in the Barça XI was Marc Bernal, but the torn ligaments suffered against Rayo left him 'KO' for the rest of the season. Marc Casadó took his place against Valladolid and, along with Eric García, will share the spotlight as a pivot until Frenkie de Jong and Andreas Christensen return. The other two key pieces in Flick's scheme are Alejandro Balde and Pedri González. Both have seen action in every game, although they left the lineup on one occasion.
Dani Olmo aims to stay permanently in Flick's eleven
Finally, among the German coach's 'headliners' is Dani Olmo. The one from Terrassa had to wait until matchday 3 to make his debut due to the club's financial problems, but he made his debut with two notable performances, scoring against Rayo and Valladolid. Ferran Torres was a starter in the first three days, but with the former Leipzig player at full strength, it will be very difficult for him to return to the lineup in the coming weeks.
The demanding Barcelona calendar, yes, will allow room for rotations and all substitutes will have opportunities in the coming weeks. With a short squad due to injuries, Hansi Flick will not hesitate to count on the resources available and names like Héctor Fort (the only one without making his debut so far), Gerard Martín, Pablo Torre and Pau Víctor will be important in the short and medium term, along with an Ansu Fati who will also fight for a position shortly.