Barcelona will be up against it tonight when they take on Real Madrid in the first El Clasico of 2022.
Not only will Xavi’s side be missing some key players, like Frenkie de Jong and Ansu Fati, but he’ll also be proceeding over a team that have managed just four wins from their last 10 games.
Standing in their way of a spot in the Spanish Super Cup final are a Madrid side that are not only sitting comfortably at the top of La Liga but have also won all but two of their last 15 games.
However, Barca may have a hidden ace up their sleeve in the form of new signing Ferran Torres, who was finally registered by the club this week and is now fit enough to feature in the upcoming derby.
So how reliable is Barca’s new €55 million striker and is he ready to take on the weight of responsibility that comes with every striker at this club?
Could Torres turn the tide for Barca?
Perhaps the most intriguing thing about Torres is that despite Manchester City and then Barca spending a remarkable amount of money the young forward doesn’t actually have much of a proven goalscoring record to date.
For example, at Valencia the young forward managed just nine goals and 12 assists in a total of 97 appearances for the club. Of course, much of that is down to him developing as a youth player and making substitute appearances, but even in his final season with the Spanish side, Torres only managed six goals and eight assists in 44 games - or an average of 0.40 goals or assists per 90 minutes.
To the young player’s credit, Torres did develop into a better goal scorer at Man City as he became a vital option off the bench for Pep Guardiola’s side. In 43 appearances for the Premier League giants, the Spaniard bagged 16 goals and five assists. And his average per 90 shot up to 0.71.
However, it still remains the case that over the course of his (admittedly short career) Torres has neer managed more than seven goals in a single league season. And if he is to go on and become Barca’s go-to talisman, he’ll be taking on a level of responsibility that he’s never had to contend with before.
tundeeniola7
0
When I said feran toress is going to test the waters people didn't understand what I said and now look at how people are mocking him because he's not at his best. I've said it that el-classico is not the best platform to test him because this is a big stage that can swallow even the best players at times. to me I won't blame him because from October till now is 4 months and also playing with his new team for the 1st time too. some will say they've been practising together but training is not same as real match. feran welcome to Barca for real.
Beautifulboy
1
Torres don’t look scary upfront. But I ain’t gonna judge him with El Clasico. Let me wait for other matches.
AbdulAyoAdamson
1
His purpose is to play shot not passing
Fimcenpruy
0
Barcelona vs real Madrid
PoorMadrid
1
though he might not score ,he will add up pace upfront
SantiagoChun
3
the only way to find out is to field him see what he can do.
isaacjunior
1
he doesn't have a choice, that's why we signed him. we need the best we can get
Komanda
3
Fihabiptuz
2
Barca don't rush this boy.....don't
JhayDheeJD
1
Barcelona or him didn’t say they signed him to lead the line Stop this
desbdklnpu
2
new customer, you are welcome!!!
sherkuru
4
We go beat them with this line up
Beautifulboy
7
Let the game begin.🔴🔵➖⚪️⚪️
Wisdommavismessi
0
lets go boys
tundeeniola7
2
to me he's just going to test the waters with this 1st game. You can't play your 1st game in elclassico and you expect to do wonders. he'll try his best because he's the only unknown face there. They've mastered others style of play and yet to face him to also know what hes capable of. no matter the outcome Forca Barca anytime
pamacenru
1
nice player for barca, hope will not be Memphis friend for cheating and selfishness at barca