With Robert Lewandowski set to be excluded from the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid, Hansi Flick has one of his most immediate selection headaches of the season.
Lewandowski’s exclusion not only deprives 35 goals from the firepower of Barcelona, but their north star in the final third as well.
Hansi Flick must decide between two vastly different options to assemble his frontline for Spanish football’s spectacle.
Ferran Torres is the best like-for-like option in reserve.
The 24-year-old has excelled in central positions this campaign, scoring 17 times across all competitions – including a neatly taken goal in his recent tryout as Lewandowski’s deputy against Celta Vigo.
Torres’ positives reflect the Polish international’s in many areas: his astute penalty box movement, ruthless first-time finishing, and ability to link with Barcelona’s potent wingers.
Having spent a large part of the season rotating between wing and central positions, Torres has strong relationships with both Raphinha and teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal.
For an even more radical solution, Dani Olmo offers compelling possibilities.
The technically-committed Spaniard has excelled as a false nine for RB Leipzig and the national team, using his spatial awareness and passing range to disrupt defensive structures.
While not possessing the classic striker attributes, Olmo’s capacity to drop deep might enable Barcelona to swamp midfield areas against Real Madrid’s likely three-man central trio.
His recent return from injury also brings an element of unpredictability that might upset Carlo Ancelotti’s carefully-rehearsed defensive schemes.
The Torres or Olmo option encapsulates Flick’s overall tactical decision.
Leaving Torres leaves Barcelona’s established attacking rhythm intact but risks being predictable against their greatest foes.
Starting Olmo introduces more tactical variety but removes an established marksman from the equation.
With both options presenting strong cases, Flick’s final decision may well come down to whether he decides on continuity or change in this season-defining match.
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