Barcelona’s final pre-season friendly may have offered Hansi Flick an important clue ahead of the La Liga opener against Elche.
According to Mundo Deportivo, summer signing Karim Adeyemi is currently ahead of Anthony Gordon in the race for a place in Barcelona’s starting XI for the opening league game.
The German forward has gradually grown into pre-season and produced his strongest display yet against Basel, while Gordon is still catching up in terms of match fitness and training.
The result is a potential new-look front three for Barça.
As per the outlet, Adeyemi could start from the left, Lamine Yamal is expected to occupy his usual position on the right, while Raphinha could move centrally as a false nine.
Flick has tested several combinations during pre-season, but the Basel match gave the clearest indication yet of how Barcelona could line up against Elche.
Barcelona signed the German until 2031 in a deal worth €22 million, with a further €7 million possible in variables.
Adeyemi is likely to start against Elche. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)
His first few weeks were about adaptation, but his latest performance may have pushed him to the front of the queue at exactly the right time.
Adeyemi’s Basel performance gives Flick a selection problem
Adeyemi played 79 minutes against Basel and was directly involved in two of Barcelona’s five goals in the 5-2 victory.
During the first half, the German started on the right, with Raphinha operating as a false nine and Gordon positioned on the opposite flank.
Adeyemi then switched to the left after the break, while Hamza Abdelkarim moved into the central role, a change that did not reduce his influence.
Adeyemi opened the scoring after moving inside from the right and arriving in the area to finish Raphinha’s pass.
Later, from the left, he produced a powerful run towards the byline before delivering a precise cross for Hamza Abdelkarim to score.
Simply put, Adeyemi has improved steadily throughout pre-season. While Gordon continues to work towards full sharpness after having arrived later than others, the German has used his minutes to build momentum and familiarity with his new teammates.
Adeyemi has used pre-season to perfection. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)
That could make the difference when Barcelona face Elche.
Lamine Yamal’s introduction reveals Flick’s plan
One of the more interesting moments against Basel came in the 65th minute, when Lamine Yamal entered the pitch.
The 19-year-old moved straight to the right wing, while Adeyemi remained on the left.
Raphinha was later substituted, but the Brazilian is going to be the likely central figure in this particular attacking setup.
If Flick goes with that shape against Elche, Lamine would provide width and creativity from the right.
Adeyemi would offer pace and direct running from the left, while Raphinha could operate as the false nine and connect the midfield with the two wide forwards.