He went from being overlooked to becoming a crucial part of the team! In a surprising twist, Barcelona’s benchwarmer changed the narrative and made Hansi Flick rethink his plans!

In football, the fortunes of players can shift dramatically and unexpectedly. One moment, a player seems destined for the exit, only for circumstances to change and turn them into a central figure in a new project.

A situation once viewed as a definite departure transforms into a fresh opportunity and a more prominent role within the team. Such is the case for Barcelona’s Andreas Christensen, whose future has taken an unexpected and positive turn under new head coach Hansi Flick.

According to reports from the Spanish outlet El Nacional, the Danish defender was on the brink of leaving Barcelona just a few months ago. Christensen had struggled with recurring injuries that affected both his form and consistency on the pitch.

As a result, the club’s management seriously considered moving him on, especially amid financial pressures and the need to trim the squad’s wage bill. His name was listed among those available for transfer if a suitable offer arrived.

However, the landscape changed swiftly following Flick’s appointment as Barcelona manager. Despite not having Christensen fully fit during his initial period in charge, the German coach saw enough in training sessions and matches to be impressed.

Flick appreciated Christensen’s composure, his ball-playing skills from the back, and his wealth of experience in high-pressure situations. The qualities he displayed aligned perfectly with Flick’s vision for the team.

Flick made it clear early on that Christensen would be one of the defensive cornerstones in his new-look Barcelona side. In meetings to plan for the upcoming campaign, the Danish international’s name featured prominently among the key figures the manager intended to build around. Flick values defenders who are calm under pressure, tactically sharp, and capable of initiating attacks — traits Christensen has consistently demonstrated when fit.

Even though the 2024/25 season has been disrupted for Christensen by injury setbacks, his performances whenever available have been impressive. Flick remains confident that, with better fitness and a clean bill of health, Christensen could play a major role for the team. There’s even consideration of occasionally deploying him as a defensive midfielder, a role he’s filled successfully when called upon.

This turnaround has influenced Barcelona’s defensive strategy. With promising performances from other defenders like Pau Coparsi and Iñigo Martínez, alongside Christensen’s resurgence, the urgency to recruit a new center-back has lessened — though future decisions may still hinge on Ronald Araujo’s situation.