The game against Manchester City was a great first test for FC Barcelona on their US preseason tour. La Blaugrana will only benefit from tough challenges at this point of the season rather than avoiding them altogether. Through such games and obstacles, Barcelona get to learn more about themselves without real consequences.
Fortunately for the Catalan giants, it does not exactly hurt to win either. By emerging as the victors over Manchester City during this early preseason game between the two European sides, Barça have unlocked a new element of confidence and strength.
While many players can be highlighted for their performance in this game, it would be especially unfair to not talk about Pablo Torre. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder was one of the standout performers for Hansi Flick’s Barça, a claim that can also be attached to him for his previous friendly outing against UE Olot in Flick’s first game in charge.
In this game, however, as highlighted by Mundo Deportivo, Torre was spectacular once again. By scoring the second goal of the game for Barcelona, he ensured that the match even went to penalties in the first place. With these strings of excellent performances, moreover, he seems to be gaining Flick’s trust.
After the game, the young Barcelona midfielder even spoke about how much he is enjoying his football right now and how this ‘10’ position suits his play:
“I hope it turns out that way. In the end, you have to work day by day and also enjoy it. I feel very comfortable in the attacking midfield position, the ‘10’ role, with a bit of freedom. I think I could have done much better today, although I scored the goal later, which makes the game seem a bit better.”
Moreover, he complimented Flick’s active news when it comes to communicating with his players and staying in touch with them: “(He) has been very approachable with everyone.”
However, he also noted that he has no idea about what the future holds for him at the moment either: “He hasn’t told me anything yet (about my future).”
Up next for Barcelona is a clash against familiar rivals Real Madrid, in what will be their second match for the US tour. Until now, however, Barça can be proud of the work they are doing and the progress that is being made under Hansi Flick. Marc Bernal seems to already have caught everyone’s attention, but Torre is right up there with him.
