FC Barcelona’s wing hierarchy will face an early test under new head coach Hansi Flick, with Anthony Gordon and Raphinha set for a direct battle on the left next season. The contest could shape Barcelona’s attack and influence summer planning as Flick imposes his methods at the start of his tenure in charge.
The competition places a recent signing against a current starter at a club seeking sharper pressing and faster transitions. It also raises questions about preferred formations and how wide players will be used under Flick’s staff.
“New FC Barcelona signing Anthony Gordon and Raphinha are set for a direct battle for the left wing spot under Hansi Flick next season.”
Flick’s Plan And The Stakes
Flick arrives with a record of aggressive pressing, quick vertical play, and structure in both a 4-2-3-1 and a 4-3-3. At Bayern Munich, his teams pressed high, overloaded wide channels, and attacked space behind full-backs. That approach demands wingers who run, combine, and defend with intensity.
Barcelona’s wing roles have carried extra weight since the departure of Lionel Messi, with width often used to unbalance tight defenses in La Liga. Last season, the left flank rotated between options, while Raphinha’s best work typically came from the right. Flick’s decision to stage a head-to-head on the left hints at a reset and a merit-based selection.
What Anthony Gordon Offers
Gordon is a direct runner who likes to receive early and attack the outside channel. He drives at full-backs, works back to press, and times far-post runs. That mix fits a coach who values sprint efforts and quick changes of play.
He can stretch a back line and create space for an overlapping full-back. His defensive tracking can also support a higher back line, which is expected under Flick. If he adapts quickly to Barcelona’s passing rhythm, he could give the left a more vertical edge.
Raphinha’s Case For The Role
Raphinha built his reputation as an inverted right winger, but he has featured on the left when needed. From that side, he can hit early crosses on his stronger foot and combine with a left-sided eight. He reads pressing triggers well and works hard without the ball.
He also has chemistry with several starters and understands the pace of La Liga. If Flick prioritizes familiarity and decision-making in tight spaces, Raphinha’s experience in Barcelona’s patterns could tilt the race his way, even if the right flank remains his natural home.
How The Decision Ripples Across The Squad
Who claims the left spot will influence roles for other attackers and the club’s transfer posture. It could affect minutes for wide forwards who can play multiple positions and shape which profiles are targeted or moved before the window closes.
- If Gordon starts, Barcelona gains direct speed and depth running on the left.
- If Raphinha starts left, it opens the right for rotation or a younger option.
- A split-time approach could keep intensity high and manage workloads.
What Flick Will Measure
Preseason will carry real weight. Training and friendlies should reveal who presses more effectively, who combines cleaner with midfield, and who protects the full-back zone better.
Key factors likely to decide the role include:
- Pressing actions and recovery runs after turnovers.
- Chance creation and final-third decision quality.
- Fit with the left-back’s overlaps and underlaps.
- Balance with the central striker’s movement.
The Road Ahead
Flick’s history suggests he will reward form and consistency. At Bayern, he trusted wingers who defended first contact and attacked straight at goal. Barcelona supporters should expect a competitive duel with little room for complacency.
The early schedule and preseason tour will provide the first clues. Training data, pressing metrics, and on-ball impact will be watched closely inside the club. The outcome will shape how Barcelona look in the opening months and how the attack evolves under new leadership.
The club’s next updates on preseason squads and minutes should signal the pecking order. If the contest remains tight, expect rotation until one player owns the role. Either way, the left flank is set to define Barcelona’s identity under Flick in the season ahead.
