Flick explores Tunkara’s attacking potential

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick is experimenting with highly rated academy prospect Ebrima Tunkara as a false nine during pre-season, a change from the positions the teenager has traditionally occupied for Juvenil A.

Tunkara has mainly played in midfield and on the right wing at youth level, but Flick has tested him through the middle in first-team training and in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Europa. The 16-year-old scored as Barcelona won the match 4-1.

A young forward making an impression

The role appears to be part of Flick’s effort to determine where Tunkara can have the greatest impact for Barcelona. His development has taken on added interest following the departure of Robert Lewandowski and with Ferran Torres reportedly heading to Paris Saint-Germain.

Flick has already praised Tunkara during Barcelona’s training camp in England, describing him as a “great talent.” The youngster is regarded as one of the club’s brightest emerging prospects, and his performances have encouraged the coaching staff to assess him in a more advanced position.

There is no indication that Barcelona have made a definitive decision about Tunkara’s long-term position. For now, Flick’s false-nine experiment gives the academy player an opportunity to show that he can contribute as an attacking option as well as in midfield or on the wing.