As Barcelona prepares for a decisive Champions League showdown against Benfica, former Blaugrana and Benfica forward Nolito shared his insights on the club’s current form, key players, and manager Hansi Flick.

Speaking to El Larguero (h/t AS), he weighed in on Raphinha’s transformation, Pedri’s brilliance, Wojciech Szczesny’s impact, and Flick’s influence.

Raphinha and Pedri Among the Best

One of the biggest talking points surrounding Barcelona this season has been the resurgence of Raphinha.

The Brazilian winger has significantly improved in recent months, becoming a crucial attacking force for the team. Nolito was full of praise for his development, stating, “It has been a radical change. He was already a good player, but now he is the best player at Barcelona. He does everything well.”

Pedri has also continued to shine, with Nolito particularly impressed by his performance in the first leg against Benfica.

The young midfielder showcased his elite vision, control, and composure, playing a key role in Barcelona’s approach. “Pedri in the first leg gave a recital of how to play soccer,” Nolito said.

When asked if Pedri could be a future Ballon d’Or winner, Nolito didn’t hesitate to place him among the game’s elite. “Pedri and Raphinha are among the five best players,” he stated.

Szczesny’s Game-Changing Presence

A less talked-about but equally vital factor in Barcelona’s first-leg performance was goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.

The Polish shot-stopper made several crucial saves, helping to keep Benfica at bay and shift the momentum in his team’s favor.

“In Lisbon, he made two or three saves that changed the game,” Nolito remarked. He also shared a humorous anecdote about players who could perform at the highest level despite their off-field habits. “I’ve had teammates who smoked more than a wheelbarrow, and then the match came, and they did what they wanted. If they played like that, they should smoke a carton a day,” he joked.

Hansi Flick’s Influence on Barcelona

Since taking over as Barcelona manager, Hansi Flick has implemented a more structured tactical approach, helping the team maximize its potential.

While Nolito acknowledged Flick’s good work, he also pointed out that the German inherited a strong foundation.

“He’s a good coach who is doing a great job. But he also found something ready-made from Xavi,” he said.

With the second leg against Benfica approaching, Barcelona has the opportunity to prove their progress under Flick and secure a place in the Champions League quarter-finals. The outcome of this match could shape their European campaign and define their season.

Barcelona is set to shake up its goalkeeping department this summer as part of a broader strategy to build for the future.

With several moving pieces in the squad, the Catalan club is already scouting potential reinforcements, and a new name has emerged as a priority target.

Szczesny Likely to Stay, Peña on the Move

Under Hansi Flick’s management, Wojciech Szczesny has established himself as a key figure between the posts.

As a result, Barcelona is expected to offer the Polish shot-stopper a one-year contract extension to keep him at the club beyond this season.

However, this decision could push Iñaki Peña toward an exit. The young goalkeeper, eager for more playing time, is drawing interest from clubs in Turkey, England, and Spain.

If Szczesny remains the preferred backup option, Peña is likely to seek a new challenge elsewhere.

Uncertainty Surrounding Ter Stegen

Meanwhile, Marc-André ter Stegen continues his recovery from injury, but there are concerns about how he will perform once he returns.

His prolonged absence, combined with a challenging personal period, raises questions about whether he will regain his previous form. This uncertainty has led Barcelona to explore a long-term solution in the goalkeeping department.

Lucas Chevalier on Barcelona’s Radar

Sporting director Deco has identified Lucas Chevalier of Lille as a prime target, according to Fichajes.

The 23-year-old Frenchman is regarded as one of the most promising goalkeepers in Europe, and his performances in Ligue 1 have not gone unnoticed.

Several top clubs, including Real Madrid, are monitoring Chevalier as a potential successor to Thibaut Courtois. However, Barcelona is keen to move swiftly and has already initiated talks with the goalkeeper’s representatives to gain an advantage in the race for his signature.

Chevalier is currently under contract with Lille until 2027, and his market value is estimated at €30 million. Barcelona hopes to negotiate a more favorable deal to secure his services.

Barcelona’s Long-Term Goalkeeping Plan

With uncertainty surrounding ter Stegen’s long-term future and Peña likely to leave, Barcelona is prioritizing the acquisition of a reliable young goalkeeper.

Chevalier fits the profile perfectly, offering both immediate quality and long-term potential.

The coming months will determine whether Barcelona can strike a deal with Lille and fend off competition from other European giants. But one thing is clear the club is planning ahead to ensure stability in a crucial position for years to come.

When Kylian Mbappe finally joined Real Madrid after years of speculation, fans knew they were getting one of the best forwards in the world.

Alongside Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo, he has formed an electrifying attack that often results in goal-scoring spectacles.

However, Mbappe’s early days in Madrid weren’t smooth sailing. He struggled to find his rhythm, often overthinking his decisions and failing to make a significant impact.

Critics were quick to brand him a flop, questioning whether he could ever live up to expectations. But as time passed, things began to fall into place, and the Mbappe of old started to reemerge.

A Record-Breaker Even in Tough Times

Despite the criticism, Mbappe has continued to make history. According to Stats Foot, he recently became the first French player to score at least 29 goals in his debut season at a club in one of Europe’s top four leagues.

His record-breaking goal came against Rayo Vallecano, and with months still left in the season, that tally is bound to grow.

To put this achievement into perspective, this list includes legends like Karim Benzema when he first arrived at Real Madrid and Thierry Henry during his early Arsenal days.

Many players need time to adjust to a new club, but even while adapting, Mbappe has already made his mark in the record books.

The skepticism surrounding his performances may have been warranted in the beginning, but even as he found his footing, critics continued to doubt him. Now, with 29 goals and counting, he is proving them wrong.

His story is far from over, and if history has shown us anything, it’s that Kylian Mbappe thrives under pressure.

For those still doubting, just keep watching. Because every criticism, every doubt, only fuels the fire of a player destined to be one of football’s greatest heartbreakers.