Numbers prove Barcelona struggle badly without €80 million-rated key attacker

Raphinha’s importance to Barcelona under Hansi Flick is no longer up for debate.

The numbers alone make that clear, but the wider impact he has on the team goes far beyond goals and assists.

In just 18 appearances this season, the Brazilian winger has already delivered 11 goals and five assists, which shows his decisive role in Flick’s system.

His influence was most visible during Barcelona’s recent success in the Spanish Super Cup. Raphinha was not just involved, he was dominant.

He was voted Man of the Match in both the semi-final and the final, scoring two goals in each game, against Athletic Club and Real Madrid.

When the pressure was highest, Raphinha delivered.

Because of that, it is no surprise that Barcelona look like a very different team when he is not on the pitch.

This season has not been straightforward for the Brazilian in terms of physical condition.

Maintaining the fitness levels he reached last year has been a challenge, and that has forced Flick to manage him carefully.

Raphinha has been key to Barcelona’s success. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

As a result, Raphinha has been absent from several key fixtures, and Barcelona have paid the price.

One of the clearest examples came against Real Sociedad. Raphinha was unable to travel after suffering a thigh injury in the Copa del Rey clash against Racing.

Despite Barcelona producing a strong overall performance, they failed to secure the points.

Worryingly for Flick, Barcelona’s defeats this season follow a clear pattern. The team have lost five matches across all competitions so far.

In La Liga , they have suffered losses against Sevilla, Real Madrid, and Real Sociedad. In Europe, defeats came against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League and Chelsea.

In four of those five defeats, Raphinha was unavailable. That statistic is difficult to ignore.

Barcelona lose pressing intensity on the flank, vertical threat in transition, and a player capable of stretching defences with and without the ball.

Without him, opponents are able to defend higher and more aggressively.

** Note : Valuation in the title has been taken from Transfermarkt on the date of publishing.