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0Hansi Flick is experimenting with Lamine Yamal in the number 9 role, offering an unexpected solution for Barcelona while the team continues to hunt for a new center-forward in the summer window.
Hansi Flick is launching a notable experiment in Barcelona's attack by placing Lamine Yamal in the false 9 position during pre-season training sessions. Robert Lewandowski has left the club, and Ferran Torres has moved to PSG, leaving the German manager to seek additional options for the central attacking area.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Yamal has been deployed as a false nine in Barcelona's training matches this summer. This idea is not entirely unexpected. Flick previously used the 19-year-old star in central positions, and those who know Yamal at Barcelona believe his development could naturally bring him closer to goal.
Notably, Flick directly confirmed the possibility of using Yamal centrally during the training camp in England. When asked about the false 9 option, the German tactician said: "Lamine has played a few matches for us there. He is a wonderful player, world-class, and can adapt."
However, Flick does not intend to turn Yamal into a permanent striker. He still considers the right wing as the best position for his pupil. Before Ferran officially left Barca, Flick spoke about the number 9 puzzle: "We have to wait. I fully trust Deco and we know we must do something. This also depends on Ferran. We'll see what we do."
The notable aspect lies in Yamal's potential to become "a versatile weapon" for Barcelona rather than a pure number 9. When starting centrally, his ability to handle the ball in tight spaces, change direction quickly, and draw defenders could create additional space for the two wingers. Mundo Deportivo also reported that Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi can both take on the highest position in the attack, giving Flick many ways to rotate the front three.
However, Flick's constant experimentation with different options also shows that Barcelona still lacks a long-term solution for the center-forward position. According to Mundo Deportivo, Julián Álvarez remains a major target for the Catalan club, but the feasibility of completing the deal is unclear.
Therefore, the experiment with Yamal could become one of the most intriguing tactical details for Barcelona ahead of the new season. If Flick truly moves the number 10 into the central area in official matches, Barca's attack could take on a very different look.