According to Diario Sport, Rafinha faces even fiercer competition this summer, and Barcelona has strengthened its left flank.
Flick pays close attention
Flick has always admired Rafinha, even when he was in poor form. However, the fact that Rafinha faces such strong competition for his position speaks volumes. Recurring injuries to his right hamstring have tormented the Porto Allegri player. Even more worrying is that he suffered another injury while representing Brazil at the World Cup. Barcelona's plan is to allow Rafinha to regain his physical condition and play to his full potential, but the club has already made preparations in advance.
Gordon, Bissiwu, and Adeyemi
It's not just Anthony Gordon competing for him now. Gordon's characteristics are very similar to the Brazilian's, making him a direct competitor for the left winger position. Barcelona has invested €70 million plus €10 million in him, a spending spree that's unusual, especially for a club that must be frugal. Gordon can also play in other positions, such as center forward, but if Flick still wants to sign a number 9, it indicates he values the former Newcastle player's role on the left wing, the area Rafinha usually plays in.
Jesse Bissiwu will also be available in this position. Although the Belgian youngster is only 18 and a long-term investment, the club's idea is to make him a first-team player for Barcelona, even though he is currently wearing the reserve team number. If he can quickly develop, he will also become another option for Rafinha and Anthony Gordon.
Even Karim Adyemi can play in this position, though the German player prefers to cut inside from the right wing. Adyemi has started 43 of his 146 appearances for Dortmund as a left winger, a respectable number.
However, in this Barcelona team, Flick has increasingly reduced the number of midfielders playing on the left wing. For example, Fermín Lopez was the most common choice in the past, while Gavi or Olmo were less frequent options. The German coach's greater choice in that position allows him to deploy true wingers. Rafinha should have been the first choice provided he's physically fit, but there's no doubt the Brazilian will face immense pressure this season.
