He is Lewandowski’s replacement, favoured by Hansi Flick, His name is…

As the 2024-25 season kicks off, Barcelona’s first major move went somewhat under the radar. The permanent signing of Pau Víctor from Girona didn’t make headlines for those not closely following his stellar performances on loan at Barça Atlètic. However, his stunning display in the preseason opener against Manchester City has quickly made him a name to remember among Barça fans.

FC Barcelona’s Hidden Gem: Lewandowski’s backup Pau Víctor Shines in Preseason Opener

Pau Víctor’s performance against Manchester City was nothing short of sensational. The 22-year-old forward showcased his skills with a calm and composed finish for the first goal and a clever dummy that set up Pablo Torre for the second in a thrilling 2-2 draw with Pep Guardiola’s side. These highlights were just a glimpse of Víctor’s complete performance, which demonstrated all the attributes of a high-level striker. His impressive skills have not gone unnoticed by his new coach, Hansi Flick.

After just three weeks of training and his standout preseason debut, Víctor has already climbed to the top of Hansi Flick’s list of backups for Robert Lewandowski. According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, Víctor has outpaced Vitor Roque in the pecking order, with the young Brazilian struggling against City and continuing a trend of underwhelming performances since his arrival in January.

Víctor’s rapid rise can be attributed to more than just his on-field talent. His attitude in training, charismatic personality, and strategic intelligence have made him a favourite in the dressing room. He’s now seen as a viable option not only to replace Lewandowski during matches but also to start in less critical games, giving the Polish superstar much-needed rest.

Looking ahead, Pau Víctor will have another golden opportunity to make his mark in Saturday’s El Clásico against Real Madrid in New Jersey. A strong performance in this high-stakes match could further elevate his status and solidify his place in Barcelona’s lineup.

As the 2024-25 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Pau Víctor, a hidden gem poised to make a significant impact on the team. Barça fans have every reason to be excited about this young striker’s potential and the fresh energy he brings to the squad.