Barcelona supervisor Hansi Flick is wrestling with two main choice dilemmas forward of the essential Copa del Rey semi-final second leg in opposition to Atletico Madrid on the Metropolitano.
With a spot within the last at stake, the German tactician should fastidiously take into account his attacking choices to make sure the very best final result.
In keeping with SPORT, essentially the most important determination revolves across the centre-forward place, the place Flick should select between Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres.
Regardless of being Barcelona’s prime scorer, Lewandowski’s involvement within the Copa del Rey has been restricted, along with his solely begin coming in opposition to Barbastro.
Given his diminished taking part in time within the competitors, it will not be shocking if Flick opts to begin Ferran Torres as a substitute.
Ferran Torres is making a powerful case
Torres has been making a powerful case for himself along with his constant performances, even when used as an influence substitute.
His statistics are spectacular, with 15 objectives and three assists this season, proving that his restricted begins haven’t hindered his productiveness.
Ferran Torres is making a powerful case for himself. (Photograph by Clive Brunskill/Getty Pictures)
His effectivity within the Copa del Rey is especially noteworthy, scoring a aim each 46 minutes. With 4 objectives to his title in simply 184 minutes of play, his influence within the knockout competitors has been nothing in need of exceptional.
Flick might very properly lean in direction of utilising Torres from the beginning, particularly given his document within the event.
Midfield Conundrum: Gavi or Fermin?
Flick’s second main determination considerations the attacking midfield position, the place Gavi and Fermin Lopez are the 2 major contenders.
Each gamers began in opposition to Girona, however the supervisor’s strategy to their positioning could possibly be a deciding issue within the Atletico Madrid conflict.
In current matches, Flick has deployed Gavi nearer to the left wing, a place the place the teen has not appeared fully snug.
With Raphinha returning to the lineup, it’s anticipated that Gavi could be moved again to his most popular position behind the centre-forward, permitting him to affect the sport extra successfully.
Nevertheless, Fermin’s versatility can’t be ignored. He has proven admirable mobility and creativity. His skill to generate scoring alternatives might make him a worthwhile asset within the midfield.
Flick may even see him as a extra dynamic possibility, particularly if Barcelona seeks to outmaneuver Atletico Madrid’s usually resilient defensive construction.