In Seville, where Barcelona’s visit to the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán brought another demanding afternoon, the clearest image from Hansi Flick’s forward line arrived during a stoppage rather than in front of goal. Anthony Gordon, frustrated by an unproductive start, stood near the bench with his hands on his hips as Andreas Christensen received treatment for what was later confirmed as a muscle injury. Karim Adeyemi, already warming up, noticed his new teammate’s mood and crossed to him.
The German offered Gordon water, spoke with him briefly and pointed towards the left side of Barcelona’s attack, encouraging another attempt at the dribble or another run in behind. A firm hand slap followed before play resumed. It was a small moment, but one that reflected the relationship developing between two summer arrivals competing for the same place.
With Lamine Yamal and Raphinha firmly established in Flick’s preferred attacking line through both status and form, Gordon and Adeyemi are contesting the remaining berth. Their contest has so far been marked more by mutual support than tension, much as Fermín López and Dani Olmo have shared opportunities in the advanced midfield role. Both understand that the season will bring rotation, changing selections and minutes to be claimed when they arrive.
A shared race for Barcelona’s attack
Gordon had returned to the starting side in Seville after being left on the bench against Racing, while Adeyemi began as a substitute following an impressive display against the Cantabrian side. Yet the Englishman could not turn his afternoon around. Flick briefly moved him into the centre-forward position after replacing Raphinha with Adeyemi in the 76th minute, but Gordon was unable to convert two deliveries from Lamine Yamal and made way for Gabriel Jesus in the 85th.
There remains more to Gordon’s contribution than his missing first goal. He has registered four assists and forced Rayo Vallecano into an own goal, although a forward can understandably become impatient when the finishing moment has not yet come. His industry and commitment have been evident, even if the reward has not been a goal celebration.
Adeyemi’s encouragement in Seville was consistent with Gordon’s own response after Barcelona opened the campaign with a 5-0 win at Elche. The English forward came on for Adeyemi, who had scored, and supplied two assists. Afterwards, Gordon praised his colleague’s first Barcelona goal and highlighted the defensive work he had done to protect the team against transitions.
For Adeyemi, the opening return stands at three competitive goals, two assists and one penalty won. For Gordon, the search for a first goal continues. Barcelona have two forwards chasing one starting place, but Flick can take comfort from the way they appear determined to help one another make the most of it.
