Stat attack: Barcelona’s 14-goal attacking trio matches feat not seen since 1958

Stat attack: Barcelona’s 14-goal attacking trio matches feat not seen since 1958 Barcelona’s decision to operate without a traditional No. 9 has not stopped Hansi Flick’s side from producing one of the most explosive attacking starts in the club’s history. Barça have scored 17 goals across their opening four La Liga matches, and three players have been responsible for much of that production.  Raphinha, Fermin Lopez and Lamine Yamal have combined for 14 goals, giving Flick an attacking core that has been remarkably productive from the opening weeks of the campaign. To put it in perspective, SPORT mentions that the last time a three-man attacking unit scored at least 14 goals in the opening four matchdays of La Liga was in 1958/59, when Real Madrid’s Alfredo Di Stefano, Hector Rial and Ferenc Puskas combined for 15. Raphinha leads Barcelona’s attacking charge Raphinha has emerged as the central figure in Flick’s new-look attack, providing influence both through his performances and his leadership. The Brazilian has scored six goals and supplied one assist in his four appearances, establishing himself as Barcelona’s leading scorer.  Raphinha has scored in all four La Liga matches. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) His start has also placed him alongside two historic names in the club’s record books. Raphinha has become only the third Barcelona player to score in each of the opening four La Liga matchdays. Ladislao Kubala first achieved the feat in 1953 before Lionel Messi repeated it during the 2011/12 and 2012/13 seasons. Fermin and Lamine add more power Meanwhile, Fermin has demonstrated that he is far more than a supporting figure in Barcelona’s attacking structure.  The 23-year-old has four goals and two assists from four matches, making him the third-highest scorer in La Liga at this stage. His scoring run also carries a historical footnote, as he is the first Spanish player to score four goals in Barcelona’s opening four league games since Cesc Fabregas managed the same feat in 2011/12. Then there is Lamine Yamal, who continues to make his impact felt beyond simply finding the net.  Lamine Yamal is once again unstoppable. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) The 19-year-old has scored four times and added an assist, while creating four clear-cut chances and completing 16 successful dribbles, an average of four per match. Gordon completes Flick’s attacking puzzle Lastly, Anthony Gordon offers something different from the other three.  The 25-year-old Englishman has not arrived as Barcelona’s primary goalscorer, but his creativity has already become valuable to Flick. Gordon has registered four assists in four matches and also forced an own goal against Rayo Vallecano, giving him a direct role in Barcelona’s extraordinary attacking output. That variety could be the biggest reason for optimism. Raphinha leads the scoring, Fermin attacks dangerous spaces, Lamine Yamal disrupts defensive structures, and Gordon creates opportunities for those around him. Barcelona may not have a conventional No. 9, but Flick has found another way to make his attack unpredictable.