Only three untouchables – A closer look at Flick’s rotation policy at Barcelona this season | OneFootball

Barcelona have started the season with two back-to-back wins in La Liga, as the club look to defend its league title.

Coach Hansi Flick, though, has not been particularly impressed with the team’s performances so far, even warning the team after the 3-0 win over Mallorca.

Keeping that in mind, it is perhaps no surprise that Flick has shuffled his team more prominently this season, with only three players playing the entire 180 minutes so far.

A deeper look at how Flick has rotated this season

As highlighted by Mundo Deportivo, through the opening two league games, only Joan Garcia, Pedri, and Lamine Yamal have played every minute (180).

This is indicative of Flick’s message to the squad that this is less about a fixed XI and more about a deep squad ready to contribute.

Flick has thus given game time based on merits, barring the three untouchables. Last season’s form, for example, has been a key factor, with Raphinha logging in 167 minutes and Ferran Torres playing 159 minutes, the same as Pau Cubarsi.

Lamine Yamal has been an ever-present figure in Barcelona squad so far this season. (Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images)

Competition is fiercest in attacking midfield. Dani Olmo has not started yet, but still totals 90 minutes. Fermin has 45.

Between them sit Frenkie De Jong (90), Gavi (66) and Marc Casado (45) – a spread that keeps legs fresh as Barcelona prepare for a long season ahead.

Centre-back minutes are split among Cubarsi (159), Ronald Araujo (166) and Andreas Christensen (15).

On the right, Eric Garcia has started fast on 175 minutes, while Jules Kounde eases in with 18. On the left, Alejandro Balde leads with 144, supported by Jofre Torrents (22).

Robert Lewandowski made his comeback against Levante (14), while new signing Marcus Rashford has played in both matches (66). With Ferran and Raphinha setting early markers, competition across the front line should remain high.