Barcelona delivered a dominant performance with a 5-0 victory over Valencia at Mestalla, securing a spot in the Copa del Rey semifinals. Now, they await their next opponent, which will be determined in the upcoming draw, with potential rivals including Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, or Real Sociedad.
The emphatic win not only reaffirmed Barcelona’s strength in the competition but also highlighted Ferran Torres’ exceptional form. According to Spanish newspaper El Nacional, Torres’ display was a significant statement, as he netted a hat-trick in just 30 minutes, showcasing his goal-scoring instincts when deployed as a central striker.
His movement off the ball, pressing ability, and tactical awareness have been particularly beneficial for the team, especially for midfielders like Pedri.
There is growing belief within the squad that Torres could be a better fit in the central forward role than Robert Lewandowski. The Polish striker, widely regarded as an elite finisher, thrives inside the penalty box but contributes less to pressing and overall team play.
In contrast, Torres offers more dynamism, relentless pressing, and stronger link-up play with the midfield, which helps create space for the wingers and enhances Barcelona’s fluid attacking transitions.
Pedri, known for his tactical intelligence, strongly favors having Torres in the central role. He believes that with Ferran leading the line, he has greater freedom and flexibility to distribute passes into attacking spaces.
Lewandowski, due to his more static style, limits such attacking combinations. This preference for Torres has been echoed by several players in the locker room, as they see him as a more adaptable and mobile forward for the current system under Hansi Flick.
Despite Flick’s loyalty to Lewandowski since taking charge, he is aware of the Polish striker’s age—now 36—and the physical limitations that come with it. The club, too, understands this reality and has been exploring options to sign a new top-tier striker.
However, Torres’ recent performances suggest that Barcelona might not need to make an expensive signing, as he is proving to be a viable alternative.
In the coming weeks, Flick faces a crucial decision regarding his frontline. If Torres continues his impressive form, he could cement himself as Barcelona’s main striker, potentially displacing Lewandowski from the starting lineup.
With the team still competing on multiple fronts, including La Liga and the Champions League, Flick must carefully weigh his options. What remains clear is that Pedri and other key players already see Torres as the better fit for the team’s evolving tactical approach.
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