Hansi Flick trials 16-year-old Barcelona wonderkid as a false nine – report

Hansi Flick trials 16-year-old Barcelona wonderkid as a false nine – report Barcelona’s search for a solution at centre-forward has taken an interesting turn, with Hansi Flick reportedly testing 16-year-old Ebrima Tunkara in the false nine role during pre-season. According to SPORT (h/t FCB World ), the Barcelona manager is exploring the youngster’s potential in a more advanced position despite Tunkara coming through the academy primarily as a central midfielder. The teenager has also played as a winger and attacking midfielder, but Flick now appears willing to see whether his skill set could allow him to operate as Barcelona’s most advanced player. The experiment comes at a significant time for the squad, as Barcelona currently do not have a recognised centre-forward following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres this summer . While the club continue to pursue Julian Alvarez , Atletico Madrid’s firm stance has left Flick working with the options currently at his disposal. That situation could give Tunkara an unexpected chance to show another side of his game. Barcelona’s striker shortage opens door for Tunkara Ebrima Tunkara has impressed Hansi Flick. (Picture credit: Instagram/@ebrimatunkara10) Flick is currently facing a unique problem in his Barcelona squad. With Lewandowski leaving for MLS and Ferran Torres joining Paris Saint-Germain, the German coach has been left without a natural No. 9. Barcelona’s priority remains the signing of Julian Alvarez, but the operation remains difficult due to Atletico Madrid’s refusa l to soften their position. Until the situation changes, Flick must find solutions from within his squad. Barcelona do have several versatile attacking players capable of playing in different roles, including through the middle. But Tunkara’s profile has reportedly caught Flick’s attention as another possible option. The 16-year-old has the physical strength to compete against defenders, along with pace and the ability to protect the ball.  Flick has experimented with Ebrima Tunkara in false 9 role. (Picture credit: Instagram/@ebrimatunkara10) The teenager was initially included in the pre-season group to allow Flick to assess him closely rather than because he was expected to immediately challenge for regular first-team minutes. However, his performances have given the Barcelona manager more to think about. Tunkara has already made an impression Notably, Tunkara has taken his pre-season opportunity well, having scored against Europa, started against Birmingham and also featured in the match against Udinese. Those appearances have allowed him to demonstrate some of the qualities that have made him one of the more exciting players coming through the La Masia system. Interestingly, the false nine role would represent another positional change for the teenager, who is naturally most comfortable as an interior midfielder, but he spent much of last season playing on the right wing.  Flick has already used his versatility during pre-season and is now reportedly considering whether he can offer something through the middle as well.