Almost every Barcelona player has had a great start to life under Hansi Flick in terms of performances but one name who struggled in the campaign’s first three games was Spanish forward Ferran Torres.
The 24-year-old Spanish talent started Hansi Flick’s first three games for the club but failed to create the necessary impact on the ball. Off the ball, his work ethic has never been in question but that isn’t why a team plays a forward.
Ferran was benched for the fourth game against Real Valladolid in favor of Dani Olmo but came off the bench to score and assist in Barcelona’s 7-0 win and was then pictured in the gym after the game. He then joined Luis de la Fuente’s Spain team for Nations League duty.
The ex-Manchester City forward came off the bench again for Spain against Switzerland, replacing Lamine Yamal at half-time. In a game where La Roja were reduced to 10 men, Ferran made them feel like they had 12 on the pitch.
The 24-year-old produced yet another goal and assist in his 45-odd minutes on the pitch. Mundo Deportivo has covered in a report how Ferran is more productive coming off the bench. There could be a pattern here for Hansi Flick to look at.
The €30m-rated Barcelona forward has played 116 times for the club, scoring 25 goals and providing 13 assists. Of this, Ferran has contributed goals and assists coming off the bench in 10. Last season, he came off the bench against Cadiz and found a goal within five minutes.
Similarly in the Champions League against Viktoria Plzen in the 2022-23 season, he came off the bench and scored and assisted in 25 minutes on the pitch. Of the matches he has played for Barcelona, Ferran has had a direct influence in 31 games.
All things considered, Ferran ‘the shark’ can be used as an effective weapon off the bench. This could be the role Hansi Flick chooses to give the 24-year-old in his team this season and let’s hope the Spaniard can continue his fine form going forward.
