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Three ways Barcelona can line up with Nico Williams

Barcelona’s pursuit of Nico Williams has gathered serious momentum in recent days, with the club now really pulling in the punches in an attempt to sign the Athletic Club forward.

This is quite the turnaround from not more than two weeks back, when the idea of Nico joining Barcelona was almost unthinkable.

But now, everything suggests Nico has taken over Luis Diaz to become Barcelona’s prime attacking target this summer, as the club look to beef up their options in the final third.

The main idea behind signing a new forward this summer is to add more competition for the attacking trifecta of Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski.

But given the quality of the player, there is a fair chance coach Hansi Flick could be forced to formulate his starting eleven, keeping Nico as a starter, and not just a benchwarmer.

Here, we will take a look at three ways Barcelona could possibly line up with Nico Williams next season.

4-3-3: Nico left; Yamal right

This is the most straightforward and traditional option. Nico naturally plays on the left wing, and cutting in from that flank allows him to drive at defenders and create space for overlapping full-backs.

Considering the kind of rapport he has with left-back Alejandro Balde, this formation could work wonders for Barcelona, especially with Lamine Yamal causing chaos on the opposite end.

Downside: If Flick decides to opt for a three-midfielder formula, then Raphinha would have to settle for a place on the bench, which could be criminal considering the season he has had.

4-2-3-1: Raphinha in a central role

If Flick wants to keep Raphinha in the starting eleven, while accommodating both Nico and Yamal as well, then a 4-2-3-1 formation would make more sense.

Three ways Barcelona can line up with Nico Williams

Nico is eager to join Barcelona. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

In this formation, Raphinha can operate in an attacking midfield role, with Nico and Yamal operating out wide.

Raphinha’s creativity, coupled with Nico and Yamal’s explosive pace could see Barcelona create a myriad of goalscoring opportunities for Robert Lewandowski.

Downside: Deploying a 4-2-3-1 with Raphinha in the middle could force Flick to operate with one less midfielder, which might lead to a lack of stability in possession.

4-3-3: No Lewandowski

Another option could be a 4-3-3 formation, but instead of Robert Lewandowski, Flick may start Raphinha in the false nine role.

The Brazilian has proven his goalscoring credentials this past season, and there is no reason why he cannot operate in a more central role, with Nico and Yamal servicing him.

This is the most future-ready attacking setup Barcelona can go for, considering the fact that the club would anyway have to prepare itself for life without Lewandowski in the years to come.

Downside: The absence of a certified goalscorer like Lewandowski may severely impact Barcelona’s productivity in front of goal, especially if Raphinha fails to maintain his consistency.

Flick, though, could deploy Lewandowski as an impact sub of sorts. A fresh Lewandowski, after all, may easily be able to lure defenders into a trap and create goalscoring opportunities for himself in the latter half of matches.