Ferran Torres is still Barcelona's bet up front

The 'Shark' is going through one of his best moments since he landed at Barça back in January 2022. At the moment, for the first time this season Ferran Torres has made three consecutive starts. After playing 90' against Granada, Ferran has become essential for Luis de la Fuente with Spain. Not only has he played in these three almost complete consecutive matches, but in the previous match against Porto he took the place of the injured Lewy and played 57 minutes in which he was able to score the winning goal. 

With the Pole still out of action, the player from Foios aims to keep that position of '9' starter. He already did it in Granada, where he fought, generated spaces and unloaded a lot of play but he was not lucky in front of goal. In fact, the former City player had no clear chances either. 

    

In any case, the 'Shark', Barça's second top scorer this season with four goals, has earned Xavi's trust. He started as the last replacement (in fact, in the first two matchdays he played six minutes) and as the games went by he made his place. Until becoming Xavi's first alternative. And now he clearly points to the eleven against Athletic next Sunday. 

With Lamine wrapped in cotton wool, Raphinha and Lewandowski out, Ferran will be one of the team's reference points up front. He and Joao Félix will be the main offensive weapons against the 'Txingurri' Valverde's team. 

In case Lamine does not reach 100% fitness, it is not ruled out that Xavi bets on the two of them up top and Gavi returns to that false left winger position. With four pure midfielders (Romeu, Gavi, Fermin and Gündogan, for example).