Barcelona’s left-wing battle takes an unexpected turn after Adeyemi’s emergence

Karim Adeyemi arrived at Barcelona with a fairly clear place in the hierarchy. 

Anthony Gordon was expected to command serious minutes on the left, while the former Borussia Dortmund forward offered another option for Hansi Flick, initially even as cover for Lamine Yamal on the opposite flank.

Seven games into the season, however, that hierarchy no longer looks quite so straightforward.

According to SPORT, Flick is delighted with the competition developing between his two summer attacking signings after Adeyemi forced the issue through his performances, turning what appeared to be a supporting role into a genuine fight for starts.

Adeyemi has made Flick rethink his original role

The Racing Santander game was perhaps the clearest indication yet.

Adeyemi started and completed 90 minutes for the first time as Barcelona ran out 7-2 winners, while Gordon remained on the bench. 

Karim Adeyemi was fantastic against Racing Club. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

The German did not score, but his direct running caused Racing persistent problems. He won two penalties and repeatedly attacked defenders at pace.

It followed an impressive finish from the bench against Levante and continued a productive opening spell in Catalonia.

Across seven appearances, Adeyemi has started three times and been introduced as a substitute in four. 

Three goals, one assist and two penalties won represent a strong return for someone who began the campaign behind others in Flick’s attacking plans.

As stated before, Adeyemi was initially considered an option on the right behind Yamal, but Flick has since used him on the left, where his speed and ability to attack space have been far more visible.

Gordon now has genuine competition at Barcelona

For what it is worth, none of this means Gordon has suddenly fallen out of favour.

Anthony Gordon now has serious competition for places. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

The former Newcastle United winger remains highly regarded by Flick and has contributed five assists despite not scoring. 

However, Adeyemi has ensured those minutes cannot simply be assumed.

That is precisely why the situation works for Barcelona. Deco signed two young forwards with different qualities, and Flick can now rotate between a 24-year-old Adeyemi and 25-year-old Gordon without dramatically changing the level of the left side.

There is another knock-on effect, as Raphinha, who operated predominantly from the left last season, has flourished as Flick’s false nine and already has nine league goals.

Hence, with Adeyemi and Gordon competing elsewhere, there is little need to move Barcelona’s most productive scorer back.