Barça boss Xavi Hernandez's plans with forward Ferran Torres this season
There is no space on the right wing but he can play as the striker or off the forward
The game against Arsenal reflected some of Xavi Hernández's intentions for the new season. One of them focused on Ferran Torres. The Barcelona coach is keen to harness the player's strengths and, seeing the great physical condition he is showing this pre-season, he has an idea of how to get the best out of him.
Against Arsenal, he played him as a centre-forward. He replaced Robert Lewandowski in the second half. Ferran Torres was familiar with this position under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City and also played occasionally as a No.9 under Luis Enrique in the national team.
The result was a goal in the only chance he had during the match. He won the ball back himself, combined with Ousmane Dembélé and scored with a perfect cross-shot.
Ferran Torres marcó en su única ocasión de gol
| Valenti Enrich - Los Ángeles (Enviado Especial)His natural position is that of right winger, but Xavi prefers Dembélé and Raphinha for the wing, two players who are difficult to fit anywhere else but on the flank.
On the other hand, Ferran is a very versatile player, whose physical conditions and understanding of the game allow him to adapt to other positions. This season, in principle, he will tend to play more centrally.
A goal worth LaLiga
He has already left positive impressions when playing in the position of a false left midfielder in some games last season. For example, it is from there against Atlético Madrid that he scored the winning goal that sealed more than half of LaLiga.
Therefore, Ferran is a player that Xavi contemplates to start from the left, to be an advanced player if he plays in the box or even as a centre forward if Lewandowski is not there.
Ferran Torres y Ansu Fati acabaron en el ataque del Barça ante el Arsenal
| Valenti Enrich - Los Ángeles (Enviado Especial)In the three games the Pole missed due to suspension last season, Ansu Fati was the No.9 and did not look comfortable. Ansu, as was also evident against Arsenal, is more dangerous when he can surprise from deeper, especially if he can profile from the left to be in a good position to get right-footed shots away.
Complete attack
In any case, the best news for Xavi is that he does not need to strengthen up front. With born wingers like Dembélé and Raphinha, forwards with the mobility to move into the centre like Ferran and Ansu and a born striker like Lewandowski, resources will be focused on signing a right-back and, if possible, another midfielder.
In addition to all of these, there is 16-year-old Lamine Yamal, who is just starting to make his way into the first team and could be an option depending on how the season develops.
