Barcelona attacker Ferran Torres has started the season superbly, and continued his fine form with a stunning free kick in yesterday’s victory over Real Betis.
He became the first Barcelona player to directly score from a free kick since Lionel Messi in 2021, with his second-half effort helping Xavi’s side to a 5-0 victory.
Despite hardly starting this season, Torres has been in fine form, with three strikes in four games, with three of these appearances coming off the bench.
He was handed a deserved start in a deadly attacking trio alongside Robert Lewandowski and Joao Felix, and Barcelona delivered one of their best performances under Xavi as they thrashed Real Betis.
Speaking after the game, Xavi praised Torres’ commitment to the club following his excellent start to the campaign.
“The credit is his. In the summer he told me that he was not leaving, that he was staying and that he only thought about succeeding at Barca,” he stated.
“He has a lot of merit because no one believed in him. He has been criticized and judged in Barcelona. I’m very happy for him. He has been very strong in turning the tables.”
Patience pays off
Ferran Torres was linked with a move away this summer after a difficult season in which he lost his starting place and struggled in front of goal.
The 23-year-old is in the best form of his Barcelona career, and his patience has now been rewarded. He has had to watch other options including Raphinha and Lamine Yamal start ahead of him, but he earned his chance through sheer determination and took it.
Torres now deserves to keep his place in the starting XI, and Xavi should capitalise on his stunning form in front of goal. The Spain international can be a useful asset this season, and given his ability to play anywhere across the front line, he should be given more opportunities in attack to allow him to shine.