Barça has a more varied and complete forward line in the center forward position this year. Robert Lewandowski, who remains the main reference, is joined by Ferran Torres, and the club has also secured the loan of Marco Rashford.
With these three footballers, Flick has a range of resources that allows him to adapt to different match scenarios. Lewandowski is still the goal guarantee, Ferran brings mobility and work rate, and Rashford offers speed, power, and the ability to break the balance. This trio, with their different profiles, can provide the team with significant tactical variety.
Three profiles for a very long year
The season will be long and demanding, with La Liga, Copa, Supercopa, and Champions on the horizon, and the coaching staff considers it essential to have three options at the number 9 position. Flick knows that rotation will be key to keeping the competitive level and avoiding injuries in a year packed with matches.
Having three different profiles in the same position allows the coach to vary his approach depending on the opponent or the match situation. In some cases, he will need Lewandowski's experience and instinct, in others Ferran's freshness, and in more open matches, Rashford's speed and directness could be decisive.
The future after Lewandowski
However, the club is also thinking in the medium term. Lewandowski's contract ends next year and everything indicates that this will be his last season as a blaugrana. His departure will leave a difficult gap to fill, since he has been the main scorer since he arrived at Barça.
Although Ferran Torres will remain with the team and the club could consider buying Rashford if his loan proves positive, the board is clear that the forward line's future doesn't depend on them. Barça wants to make a statement and sign a world-class striker to lead the attack in the post-Lewandowski era.
Julián Álvarez, the big dream
That big name is already clear in Joan Laporta's mind: Julián Álvarez. The Argentine striker from Atlético de Madrid is the president's big dream, as he believes Álvarez meets all the requirements to be the club's next attacking reference. His youth, talent, and goal-scoring ability make him the number one target.
The operation won't be easy, since Atlético won't make it easy to let one of its stars leave. Even so, Barça are aware that the time to make a major investment will be next summer and they're willing to try. The bet on Julián Álvarez is on the table and, although complicated, it's seen as the big opportunity to strengthen the future of the culé attack.