No Julian, no problem – Barcelona thriving despite missing out on priority target

No Julian, no problem – Barcelona thriving despite missing out on priority target The mood in Barcelona was naturally one of panic around the centre-forward situation after the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, for both players were the team’s primary goal scorers in clutch moments last season. To lose their starting and backup number nine options in the same summer transfer window appeared to spell disaster, and Julian Alvarez was seen to be a necessity to bridge that void. Eventually, however, the Atletico Madrid star did not arrive, leaving Barcelona stranded without a number nine even on deadline day. The club went on to sign Gabriel Jesus as a low-cost option, but the reality has now set in that Alvarez may not have mattered as much as many assumed. A ruthless system Raphinha and Yamal have been on fire. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) Not having a traditional number nine has surprisingly worked out well for Hansi Flick’s Barcelona which has always thrived as a fluid and dynamic setup. Missing out on Alvarez seemed like a disaster in the making for Barcelona under two weeks ago, but it suddenly no longer appears to be even a remote limiting factor. In just four games, Barcelona have scored seventeen goals with Raphinha excelling as a deeper-lying striker. Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez have exploded into life and have scored goals for fun while even Anthony Gordon has settled wonderfully. There is no doubt that Alvarez would be an upgrade to the squad and add a valuable profile. However, there is really no need for Barcelona to panic and their decision not to overpay for the player or force a transfer has turned out to be the right one. A handy backup There is talk that Barcelona will go all out again for Alvarez in the winter transfer window, and again next summer if they do not manage to sign him earlier. Will Barcelona push for Alvarez again? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) Meanwhile, however, they have brought in Jesus as a valuable backup option in what could be a signing that surprises many. The former Arsenal star is currently rated lower than ever owing to his poor fitness and lack of match-practice in recent times. As a profile, however, he is a perfect fit for Flick’s system. Given the right role and fitness regimen, the Brazilian star can thus go on to surprise many as a number nine for Barcelona. Raphinha will be the number one choice, but Jesus adds serious depth and quality if he can stay fit.