Barcelona new signing ready to compete with Raphinha: ‘I want to score decisive goals’

Barcelona new signing ready to compete with Raphinha: ‘I want to score decisive goals’ One month into the new season, Barcelona are looking like the team to beat right now, having won six out of their six matches in all competitions. Raphinha has emerged as the undisputed star for the Blaugrana so far, racking up as many as eight goals and three assists in just six matches. The combination of Raphinha and Lamine Yamal has worked wonders for Barcelona this season. But it has also limited the game-time of other attackers, including new signing Gabriel Jesus. Gabriel ready to compete Gabriel, though, is not willing to simply a bystander and is ready to compete with the likes of Raphinha for a place in the starting lineup. Can Gabriel make an impact at Barcelona? (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) “Raphinha scores goals, plays all the matches and he deserves it. I will try to compete and wait for my chance to play more and get more minutes,” he said (h/t Goal ). Gabriel has indeed played minimal role for Barcelona so far, racking up a grand total of just 16 minutes, though he did score his first goal against Feyenoord. “I want to score goals and help, but I don’t want to do that when the team is ahead by two, three or four goals. Rather, I want to score decisive goals with Barça,” he added. What is Gabriel’s role in the team? The brilliant start made to the season by Raphinha has had an impact on Jesus’ role at Barcelona so far. Gabriel could help Flick give more rest to Raphinha. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images) However, the Brazilian still has a key role in play in Hansi Flick’s setup, especially as the congested fixture list kicks in. Raphinha has had injury problems in the past and Flick will be careful not to overburden the Brazilian international. That is where Gabriel Jesus could come in handy as he could serve as the direct alternative for his compatriot in the number nine position. In fact, it won’t be surprising to see the former Arsenal man potentially starting in Barcelona’s midweek La Liga clash against Racing Santander, as Flick keeps one eye on the important La Liga encounter against Sevilla at the weekend.