Barcelona forward’s impressive record in Europe bodes well for team ahead of AS Monaco clash
Ferran Torres is set to make his return to Barcelona’s starting line-up against Monaco, stepping in after Dani Olmo’s unfortunate injury.
Against the Ligue 1 side, manager Hansi Flick is expected to shuffle his attacking options, placing Raphinha just behind Robert Lewandowski, with Torres taking the left-wing position.
It is no secret that Flick has recognised the Spaniard’s talent, giving him both starting roles and bringing him on in the second half in recent games.
In the first five league matches this season, Torres has scored once and provided one assist, showing his consistent contribution to the team’s attack.
His impressive performances in Europe further solidify his standing. In his 21 European matches with Barcelona, he has scored 8 goals and contributed 4 assists.
In the 2021-22 Europa League campaign, he found the back of the net twice and assisted twice. The following season in the Champions League, he added 3 more goals and an assist.
Delivery despite minimum minutes
Adding to his overall tally, Ferran has also made his mark with Manchester City and Valencia in Europe, bringing his total to 14 goals in 21 matches.
Since his arrival at Barcelona during the 2021-22 winter transfer window, Torres has managed to make a significant impact despite limited opportunities under Xavi and now under Flick.
In just 21 appearances during his first season, Torres scored 8 goals and provided 3 assists. These are notable stats, especially considering he had to maximise his minutes on the pitch to prove his worth to the team.
The forward’s consistency has made him a key player for Barcelona, never backing down from challenges. Although his next appearance in La Liga will be postponed due to a suspension, following a red card in the match against Girona, he remains a crucial figure in Flick’s plans.
This mandatory rest against Villarreal will give him time to recharge, but his influence on the pitch is unquestionable. Despite the occasional setback, Torres continues to demonstrate his value to Barcelona and his ability to step up in critical moments, whether in domestic or European competitions.