Hansi Flick is still waiting for reinforcements, but has found a new diamond
Barcelona is satisfied with the 5:2 win over Basel in preparation, but the coach admitted: "We need a few more additions." Jesse Bisiwu stole the show and may be used as a false nine later in the season.
Barcelona continues to prepare for the start of the league with positive feelings after the friendly match against Basel (5:2), but also with a clear message from Hansi Flick regarding the squad. The German coach was satisfied with the performance, but clarified that he is still expecting reinforcements before the end of the transfer window.
"I think we need a few more additions," said the coach, adding that the club will analyze the game and training sessions during the week before making decisions.
"It was a good test for us. Basel played well and it was not easy to play against them," added the German. However, he admitted that in the first half the team did not play with the speed he wanted, both in terms of positioning and off-the-ball movement. According to him, "we have potential and I am satisfied with the test," with the goal now being to arrive ready for the opening round against Elche.
One of the names that stood out in particular was 18-year-old Jesse Bisiwu. The Belgian winger came on in the 80th minute and managed to score twice within ten minutes. The first goal came after a through ball from Dani Olmo and an impressive finish into the top corner, and for the second, he took advantage of a pass from Lamine Yamal to complete a brace. Barcelona paid 8.5 million euros for him, and in his second game for the team, he already managed to show some of the ability for which he was signed.
In Santi Nolla's column in "Mundo Deportivo", the question of Barcelona's striker and the possibility of using a "false nine" was discussed again. "The false nine has always been a useful tool, not a habit," it was written, mentioning Barcelona's past use of Lionel Messi in that role. According to the column, there are several players in the current squad who can fill the role, including Dani Olmo, Raphinha, Karim Adeyemi, and even Lamine Yamal.
However, Nolla's message is clear: Barcelona still needs a striker. "Barça is looking for a number nine, and it definitely needs one," it was written. Alongside this, it was emphasized that the possibility of relying on Bisiwu as well "does not look like a crazy idea."
