Barcelona name strong line-up for first friendly against Vissel Kobe

Barcelona's Japan and Asia tour officially kicks off today, and the club has named a strong starting XI for their long-awaited fixture against Vissel Kobe. After the match was previously postponed due to sponsor-related issues, all matters have now been resolved and the game is set to go ahead as planned.

One of the standout headlines is a full debut for Joan García, who has been chosen to start in goal. The young goalkeeper gets the nod ahead of more experienced options Wojciech Szczęsny and Iñaki Peña, a clear sign that Hansi Flick is looking for his number one to be the man from the start.

In defence, Eric García starts at right-back, with Pau Cubarsí and Iñigo Martínez forming the central pairing, with Alejandro Balde takes up his usual position at left-back. It’s a back line that was reminiscent of last year with youth and experience at the heart, though Jules Koundé, who starts on the bench, is the only notable omission who could add further strength. Ronald Araújo is also expected to feature at some point, potentially forming a more familiar defensive partnership in the second half.

In midfield, Pedri and Gavi take up their familiar roles at the heart of the team, tasked with dictating the tempo and linking play through the middle. The Spanish duo's chemistry and technical quality make them a natural pairing, and they’ll be looking to create space and carve out openings for the front line in what could be a make or break year for Gavi. Just ahead of them, Fermín López gets the nod in the attacking midfield role, his selection over Dani Olmo suggesting that Flick is eager to see how the young talent handles increased responsibility.

Perhaps the biggest tactical surprise non-surprise is Raphinha starting in a wide-left position. With Barcelona heavily linked to Nico Williams this summer, it was anticipated that the Brazilian might transition into a more central role permanently. However, Flick appears to be sticking with his current wingers, as Lamine Yamal retains his spot on the right flank. Ferran Torres leads the line up front, starting ahead of Robert Lewandowski, who begins on the bench.

There's also plenty of excitement to come from the substitutes’ bench. Marcus Rashford and Roony Bardghji are expected to make their unofficial debuts, while Frenkie de Jong, Dani Olmo, and Lewandowski provide world-class reinforcement in the second half. The bench also includes several promising academy players, showcasing the depth and balance Flick has at his disposal during this pre-season tour.