Will we see a new version of the Brazilian? The 'radical' plan of Hansi Flick for Raphinha

Xavi Hernández discovered a new version of Raphinha that has brought out the best level of the Brazilian. The Egarense, given the 'irruption' of Lamine Yamal and the irregular performance of the South American on the right wing, chose to give him a place in his square next to the left side. In this position, and with Joao Cancelo stretching the team on the left wing, the Porto Alegre player played his best minutes by having the freedom to move more inside.

This situation has been studied by Hansi Flick, who has taken note of Xavi's decision and gave Raphinha a similar role during the preseason. In some cases as a 'false left winger', and in others directly as a playmaker, playing behind Robert Lewandowski in the German's 4-2-3-1 formation. The Carioca's performance satisfied the coach, who would choose to repeat this bet in the league debut against Valencia.

In Mestalla, it is very likely that the former Leeds footballer will start from the left accompanied by Balde, who would be in charge of opening the field and reaching the back line, while the Brazilian makes inroads in front of the pivots. The doubts surrounding the registration of Dani Olmo, who would also arrive with little training, open the door of ownership to the South American, whose place in the lineup would be at 'risk' after the arrival of the Egarense.

And, while waiting for how the transfer market ends, Olmo is the one who has every chance to assume this role on the left wing once all the players recover. The former RB Leipzig player has made it clear that his position is that of midfielder, but given the presence of players like Pedri, Gündogan and even Fermín, Dani would be 'forced' to start from the sinister side, where Balde's profile would make him It would help to have the freedom to separate from the band and have license to move throughout the attack front.

Raphinha's enigma

This situation would leave Raphinha without a place in Flick's scheme, although he could opt for other solutions given the Brazilian's versatility. In principle, his idea was very clear in the preseason, but plans may change as the absent players join. If he runs out of options on the left, the South American remains an alternative to Lamine Yamal on the right wing, a position in which he feels most comfortable and where he usually plays in Brazil.