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Ferran Torres still affirms his position in Barcelona. |
As Robert Lewandowski enters the final year of his contract, Hansi Flick has chosen a quiet transformation: he neither eliminated nor revolutionized the attack - but has begun to sow faith in a "new number 9" named Ferran Torres.
From Hansi Flick's belief…
Barcelona began pre-season with a clear principle: Lewandowski would be used sparingly. At 36, the Polish striker is still a prolific goalscorer, but his fitness and intensity make it unrealistic to work week in and week out.
Hansi Flick, who values physical strength and high pressing, was forced to consider a pragmatic alternative - and Ferran Torres was the long-term solution.
Not a new discovery or a phenomenon from the academy, Ferran Torres is the choice of accumulation: experience, endurance and the ability to learn constantly. Flick saw that, and gave him the opportunity to play as a center forward - a role that has never been the "main stage" for the Valencia player.
“The Shark” - the nickname Torres himself has adopted - is not to embellish his personality, but to reflect his true competitive spirit: constantly moving, constantly hunting. In the recent series of friendlies, especially the victory over FC Seoul, Ferran Torres scored a brace with two exemplary finishes in the penalty area - a performance that shows he is shaping himself not just as a "stunt striker", but as a true successor.
It's also impossible to ignore the role of Ferran Torres last season: scoring 19 goals despite mostly starting from the bench, and being the top scorer in the Copa del Rey with six goals - including a hat-trick against Valencia, the decisive goal against Atletico, and the strike that forced Real Madrid into extra time in the final.
No noise, no media hype, Ferran Torres wins trust with pure expertise.
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Ferran Torres plays well as a striker at Barcelona. |
Barca have had many great revolutions in tactics, personnel or philosophy. But the change this season has been quiet and calculated.
Just as Ter Stegen is no longer invincible in goal, it is now Lewandowski's turn to learn to share the role - not because of a decline in form, but because of tactical demands and the weight of age.
Flick doesn’t need a Lewy clone – he needs a striker who is more suited to high pressing, capable of stretching the defence, and linking well with the likes of Gavi, Pedri or Lamine Yamal. Ferran Torres isn’t as sharp as a true “penalty box killer”, but he makes up for it with his all-round ability, high intensity and tactical flexibility.
Ferran Torres – the brave number 9 of the new era?
Ferran Torres' biggest challenge is not the outside opponent, but the huge shadow of Lewandowski. But if we look more broadly, the journey that the former Valencia star is taking is similar to many players who have been doubted: accumulating every minute on the pitch, proving himself with every move, then gradually winning the trust of the coach and the Camp Nou crowd.
Barcelona are undergoing a quiet but visible rejuvenation. And if Flick dares to believe, Ferran Torres could become the symbol of the transition period: a No. 9 who doesn't need to score 40 goals, but is enough to dictate the play, dictate the rhythm and bring tactical balance.
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Ferran Torres can completely replace Lewandowski as striker. |
No one can replace Lewandowski overnight. But Ferran Torres, with his perseverance, fighting spirit and effective performances, is gradually blurring the line between “reserve” and “main player”.
It is not only a personal turning point, but also a manifestation of Barca's strategic direction: not waiting for miracles from blockbusters, but forging existing players into the future shape themselves. And Ferran Torres, with all his efforts, is on the right track to do that.
Source: https://znews.vn/ca-map-ferran-torres-san-sang-nuot-lay-co-hoi-post1573759.html
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