Rodri leaves Flick with a dilemma ahead of the trip to Paris

Rodri has put Hans-Dieter Flick in a difficult position ahead of FC Barcelona’s trip to Paris Saint-Germain. The absences of Eric Garcia, Jules Koundé and Andreas Christensen have reduced the German coach’s defensive options, potentially forcing him to move his midfielder to fill a gap at the back.

One possibility is to use Rodri at centre-back, as Flick has already done in the closing stages of the match against Real Betis. But Rodri has become vital to the team’s functioning. His ability to organise play, cope with pressing and control the tempo of matches is among Barcelona’s strengths at the start of the season.

Gerard Martín’s fitness could weigh heavily in the decision. He finished the match against Real Betis with a swollen ankle after taking a heavy blow, then joined the travelling group to Paris. If he can partner Pau Cubarsí in central defence, Flick can keep Rodri in midfield. Otherwise, the coach will have to consider moving him into defence, a role he has temporarily filled when Barcelona had to finish a match with ten men after a dismissal.

The choice involves more than simply replacing the absent defenders. Moving Rodri back would give Barcelona another defensive option, but would also deprive the team of an important midfield presence against Paris Saint-Germain. His influence was evident in the win over Galatasaray, when he played the entire match, and in his contribution to the team’s collective play. In one match, Barcelona had 83% possession, its highest figure during Hans-Dieter Flick’s time in charge, according to Kooora.

Previous results also illustrate Rodri’s role in building attacks. In a 4-1 win, Barcelona had 71% possession and completed 632 of its 694 passes. Against Real Betis, the team won 5-2; Rodri played the full match, scored his first goal in a Barcelona shirt and contributed to the construction of attacks.

Paris sit third in Ligue 1 with 14 points after seven matches. Their league record stands at four wins, two draws and one defeat, with 12 goals scored and seven conceded. Flick’s decision may therefore depend on whether Gerard Martín can start alongside Cubarsí, or whether Barcelona’s balance must be reshaped around a repositioned Rodri.