Barcelona’s dominant 5-0 victory over Valencia has secured their spot in the Copa del Rey semifinals, where they will face either Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, or Real Sociedad, with the draw scheduled for February 12.
One of the most significant takeaways from this victory was Ferran Torres’ exceptional performance. Scoring a hat-trick in just 30 minutes, Torres showed his natural ability as a central striker. His off-the-ball movements, pressing, and tactical awareness made a significant impact on the team’s overall play. Pedri, who is highly regarded for his football intelligence, particularly values Torres’ dynamism and ability to link up with midfielders and create spaces for wingers.
Pedri and many other players in the squad believe that Torres could offer more than Robert Lewandowski in the central forward role at this moment. Lewandowski, known for his finishing and penalty box presence, is more static in his style of play. On the other hand, Torres’ greater intensity in pressing and fluid style fits well with the tactical demands of Hansi Flick’s system.
Flick, though committed to Lewandowski, is aware of the Polish striker’s age and physical limitations. As Lewandowski is 36 years old, he can’t feature in every match, and Barcelona is already exploring options to reinforce their striking options. However, Torres’ performances suggest that he could be a more viable solution to the forward role without the need for expensive new signings.
In the coming weeks, Flick will face the tough decision of whether to continue with Lewandowski or give Ferran Torres a more prominent role up front. The team’s playing style and Torres’ recent form may just give him the edge as Barcelona look to compete for more titles in La Liga and the Champions League.
