After a productive and almost perfect month in September under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Hansi Flick, it’s time to review Barcelona’s performances and rank the team’s best players. Here are the top five.
5. Iñigo Martínez
Seeing a centre-back in the ranking might be surprising in a goal-scoring team. However, Martínez has been key to Barcelona’s success in September and has adapted well to Hansi Flick’s demands. As a centre-back, he is required to play the offside trap intelligently, which is no easy task. Despite this, he has shown he is up to the challenge and has become the leader of the backline.
In addition, Martínez has also been responsible for initiating the build-up, which is far from easy given Hansi Flick places heavy responsibilities on his centre-backs to play vertical passes into the midfield – not something anyone can pull off.
Martínez has exceeded expectations by far and is slowly gaining the affection of the culés after a forgettable first season at the club.
Solid at the back, perfect IQ in possession. What a season Iñigo Martínez is having. pic.twitter.com/mgyJsJ5gNE
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) October 6, 2024
4. Marc Casadó
Marc Casadó is undoubtedly one of the biggest surprises of the season. Initially, he was supposed to play with Marc Bernal, but he suffered an ACL at the beginning of the season, leaving Casadó alone in the defensive midfield.
Many thought that, like under Xavi Hernández, Casadó wouldn’t see much playing time under Hansi Flick either. However, not only has Flick given him a chance, but Casadó has also seized the opportunity to prove that he belongs in the team.
Like his teammate Gavi, he is tenacious off the ball and will challenge his opponent as much as needed with the intensity Flick demands. Furthermore, Casadó is a difficult barrier for his opponents, compensating for his lack of pace through his intelligence. More than once, he has been saved through his anticipation, and he is now an essential piece of Flick’s puzzle in the midfield.
Nobody is benching Marc casado in our midfield, he is untouchable pic.twitter.com/d1LtRN329l
— Anabella💙❤ (@AnabellaMarvy) October 6, 2024
3. Robert Lewandowski
Many culés had abandoned the Lewandowski project before the start of this campaign.
Last season, Lewandowski seemed unbothered, scoring occasionally but rarely helping the team. Often found far from the penalty area, his positioning seemed to disrupt Xavi’s system, and the assumption was that this season would bring more of the same from an immobile Lewandowski.
Fans couldn’t have been more wrong. September has been a stunning turnaround for the Polish striker and Lewandowski’s most productive month in a while.
🇵🇱🤩 Robert Lewandowski hat-trick alert! 🚨
It took him just 32 mins, incredible. pic.twitter.com/9tEEhEFjtE
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) October 6, 2024
He assisted against Girona, scored Barcelona’s winner against Getafe (1-0), and scored a brace against Villarreal (5-1). His resurgence didn’t stop there; he scored twice against Young Boys on October 2nd and capped it off with a hat-trick in the 3-0 triumph over Alavés.
Lewandowski no longer roams outside of the penalty box and has rediscovered his striker instincts. Under Flick’s guidance, Lewandowski has evolved into a rejuvenated force, reminding everyone of his world-class talent.
2. Raphinha
Before Hansi Flick’s arrival, Raphinha was considered “good” but hadn’t fully blossomed. The Brazilian winger contributed to Barcelona’s attack, but Flick has taken his game to another level.
Raphinha hasn’t even played ten matches yet, but he has already scored five goals and four assists. He has proven to be a fantastic investment since Barcelona purchased him for €60M.
After a tough start, Raphinha’s talent is being appreciated in Barcelona 🌹 pic.twitter.com/Xob6I5SPLG
— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 7, 2024
His lack of dribbling qualities led many to believe he wouldn’t thrive in Barcelona’s system. However, he possesses all the qualities to become a star.
Flick is known for using inside forwards, such as Gnabry at Bayern Munich, and Raphinha has become the goal-scoring forward Flick needed.
The only hiccup came against Monaco, but overall, Raphinha has been a revelation. His partnership with young sensation Lamine Yamal is growing, and defenses across Europe should be worried about the duo’s growing threat.
1. Lamine Yamal
The #1 spot isn’t up for debate – Lamine Yamal has claimed it. Since Kylian Mbappé, no seventeen-year-old has dazzled at such a high level, saving Barcelona multiple times at the start of the season.
In September, he was at the heart of everything positive for Barça. As the team’s playmaker, his growing confidence is evident in his dribbling ability. With the ball glued to his feet, it seems impossible to dispossess him.
— Lamine Yamal 🇪🇸 (@LamineeYamal) October 6, 2024
Yamal’s contributions speak for themselves. He scored a brace in the 4-1 victory over Girona, netted Barça’s only goal in the 2-1 loss to Monaco, and added another goal against Osasuna, along with an assist against Villarreal.
Even when not directly involved in scoring, Yamal’s mere presence on the pitch terrorizes defenders. He has also been nominated for the Ballon d’Or, further proving he is a promising talent and an elite winger.
ᴬᵁᴿᴬ 🥶 pic.twitter.com/qZsDWefni0
— Lamine Yamal 🇪🇸 (@LamineeYamal) October 2, 2024
Yamal’s crosses have become the source of fear for opponents, and his trademark moves have defenders scrambling. He might be repeating the same move, yet no one seems to have figured out how to stop him from finding the back of the net.
