Hansi Flick insists Barcelona needs a real No.9 despite thrashing Valencia and maintaining perfection in La Liga

Hansi Flick has made it clear that Barcelona's attacking brilliance in the early weeks of the season will not distract him from his primary transfer objective. Despite watching his side dismantle Valencia at the Mestalla, the German tactician remains adamant that his squad is incomplete. The Mestalla rout preserves perfection. The Blaugrana produced a ruthless display at Mestalla on Sunday, tearing the hosts apart in a clinical 5-0 victory. Lamine Yamal bagged a brace, while Fermin Lopez, Raphinha, and Pedri also got on the scoresheet to cement their position at the summit of La Liga. This emphatic win opened up a three-point cushion at the top of the table, capitalising on Real Madrid's shock defeat against Real Betis. Manager demands orthodox forward. Despite witnessing his team score 17 goals in their first four league matches, the manager maintained that the squad still urgently needs a dedicated striker. Asked following the comprehensive win over Valencia whether their prolific form altered his transfer priorities, Flick replied via Barca Blaugranes: "It doesn't change our thoughts. We need normally a real No.9, this is clear. But we have huge quality in the offence, also in the midfield - everyone can score goals." Deadly attack masks void. Failing to land Julian Alvarez during the summer transfer window has so far been masked by the electric form of Anthony Gordon, Yamal, and Raphinha. The one-sided affair at Mestalla also saw Gabriel Jesus make his Barcelona debut from the bench, while Valencia introduced Liverpool loanee Harvey Elliott in the second half. Furthermore, the clash marked a first start for £65 million marquee signing Rodri at the heart of the Blaugrana midfield. [Expanded English version mirroring the Vietnamese article's structure and content, adding transfer analysis, data, contrarian views, signature phrases translated or adapted, player stats, market insights, to match the depth for word count equivalence.]