"The core issue is that Raphinha's influence drops when he is removed from the flank. On the left wing, he is far more than just an attacker. His runs stretch opposing defences, and his movement creates vital space for Alejandro Balde to surge forward. While Raphinha often drifts into central areas naturally from the wing, starting wide allows him to choose his moments, rather than being forced into central congestion."
"Statistically, the picture also tells a story. Raphinha's only goal as a pure number 10 came against Osasuna, where he opened the scoring before adding a second goal once he returned to his preferred role on the wing. In the other matches where he started centrally, such as against Levante and Espanyol, his performances lacked the sharpness and influence expected from that position."
Hansi Flick faces a tactical dilemma over Raphinha's best position, weighing wing duties against a central attacking midfield role. Moving Raphinha centrally aimed to free space for Marcus Rashford on the left, but the experiment has produced underwhelming results and risks diminishing Rashford's impact. Raphinha's effectiveness drops when removed from the flank because his wide runs stretch defenses and create space for Alejandro Balde. Matches where he started centrally, including Levante and Espanyol, showed less sharpness and influence. Statistical evidence includes his only goal as a pure number 10 against Osasuna, after which he regained form upon returning to the wing. The Spanish Super Cup may determine his role, with Dani Olmo or Fermin Lopez as potential alternatives.
Read at Barca Universal
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