FC Barcelona let go of one of its figures. His performance at the blaugrana club was always marked by inconsistency, injuries, and a lack of constancy.
His departure didn't generate much controversy; many thought the team wouldn't lose anything important. But two years later, his breakthrough has shown that Xavi Hernández was right to defend him. Now, Hansi Flick and Barça could suffer from it in the Champions League.
An Unexpected Problem for Flick
Barça has improved with Flick, but it still has problems in defense. Ronald Araújo, Jules Koundé, and Alejandro Balde have alternated great performances with significant errors.
The team struggles to stop fast and unbalancing players. This defensive fragility has become evident in key matches of the season.
The problem is that the possible clash in the Champions League could test these shortcomings. The former blaugrana player is going through his best moment and can be a nightmare for the Culé defense.
His Change in Performance Has Been Spectacular
When he left Barça, few thought he would become a global star. His first season in Paris was modest, with many doubts about his performance. But everything changed in 2025; he became the top scorer of the year in Europe, with 18 goals in 7 matches.
At PSG, he has found an environment that plays for him; his speed and dribbling have transformed him into the team's star. Barça knows well what he is capable of, but it also knows his weaknesses. During his time at Camp Nou, he never managed to be the offensive leader that was expected.
At PSG, everything is different; he has total freedom and a system that enhances his game. If Flick doesn't find a way to stop him, it could be a serious problem. Barça faces the most in-form winger of the moment, a player who left Camp Nou without much fanfare but now shines in Paris.
Xavi Hernández Always Trusted Him
When he left, Xavi Hernández insisted he had special talent; at the time, few believed his words. Today, that same player who left through the back door is one of the biggest threats in Europe. His breakthrough at PSG is the definitive proof that Xavi wasn't wrong.
If PSG and Barça meet in the Champions League, Flick will have to devise a perfect plan to stop him. The player in question is none other than Ousmane Dembélé.
The winger, who never found consistency at Barça, is now one of the best in the world; his departure was low-key, but his evolution has been impressive. Xavi always defended his quality, and today his breakthrough proves he was right. Now, Flick and Barça could pay dearly for it.