There were quite a few players who impressed for Barcelona in pre-season. Many youngsters like Marc Casado, Marc Bernal and Pau Victor impressed Hansi Flick in his initial games but one player who really caught the eye was Pablo Torre.
The first three names were involved in some capacity against Valencia but Pablo Torre was a surprise omission. Many would have placed their money on the 21-year-old starting at the Mestalla but Flick decided to start Raphinha in midfield instead.
Despite the Valencia setback, as per SPORT, Barcelona still count on Pablo Torre and see him developing on the right track. The loan spell at Girona might not have been a huge success but he has impressed Flick’s staff with what he has shown so far.
A classic #10, Torre might have missed out on the Valencia game due to a ‘horses-for-courses’ policy from Flick. The German coach set Barcelona up in a traditional 4-3-3 instead of his patented 4-2-3-1.
Torre is an excellent profile as a #10 but not an ideal fit as a #8. Thus, Flick might have chosen to go with Raphinha, who he felt was better suited to operate inbetween the lines in midfield as a functional interior.
Flick did not change his system in the entire game against Valencia, further explaining Torre’s absence. That said, the German coach might revert to his classic 4-2-3-1 against a different opposition which would bring the 21-year-old into the picture.
One thing that Barcelona need to consider is that they have so many options for the #10 position. Pedri, Dani Olmo, Fermin Lopez and Gavi can all play there other than Torre. This is without including the exit-bound Ilkay Gundogan.
That said, Olmo can operate off the left and both Pedri and Gavi can play deeper in midfielder, leaving the door open for Torre to compete with Fermin. It looks like the 21-year-old is set to stay at the club and let’s see how his career pans out going forward.
