Can Ferran Torres resolve Manchester City striker problem?

    Can Ferran Torres resolve Manchester City striker problem?
    09/09/21 1603

    When Sergio Aguero left the Etihad Stadium for Barcelona at the end of last season, it looked as though Manchester City would spend big to bring in a world-class striker.

    After all, Aguero left for Spain as the club’s all-time leading scorer, having netted 260 goals in 390 games for Pep Guardiola’s side.

    Although Man City have coped for lengthy periods without a recognised No. 9, there is a sense that Guardiola needs another striker in his ranks.

    After failing to lure Harry Kane to the Etihad, Gabriel Jesus is currently the club’s sole striker option. But what about Ferran Torres?

    The 21-year-old Spaniard has started the new campaign in impressive form, bagging two goals and one assist in the opening three Premier League games.

    Despite being labelled as a winger, Torres’ clever movement and smart finishing makes him a genuine candidate for the vacant Man City striker role.

    The former Valencia star ended the previous campaign in eye-catching fashion, too, netting six goals across the final six league matches.

    After finding the back of the net against Leeds United and Aston Villa, he notched a superb hat-trick against Newcastle United to cap off a solid debut season.

    Torres’ record for Man City currently stands at 15 goals and four assists in 40 appearances, indicating that he’s got what it takes to lead the line for Guardiola’s team.

    At international level, Torres has netted nine goals in 19 outings for Spain, underlining his hunger to get one the scoresheet.

    He scored a hat-trick in Spain’s famous 6-0 thrashing of Germany back in November 2020 before adding a further two goals to his tally at the European Championship.

    Of course, we all know that Guardiola loves to tinker with his team, experimenting with innovative formations and tactics on a regular basis.

    City also have multiple players who can lead the line when required, with Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez, and Jesus all capable of adapting.

    However, if Torres continues to make clever runs and score goals on a regular basis, we could see him leading the line more often.

    At 21, he still has plenty of time to develop his game and flourish into a top striker. Under Guardiola’s watch, he is certainly in the right place to do just that.


    <
    May 2024
    Football predictions
    >
    {"4":"April 2024","5":"May 2024","6":"June 2024"}
    MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
    0102030405
    06070809101112
    13141516171819
    20212223242526
    2728293031