Barcelona achieved a commanding 5-0 victory over Valencia at Mestalla, securing their place among the top four in the Copa del Rey.
Barcelona now awaits a match against one of the three teams remaining in the Copa del Rey semifinals: Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, or Real Sociedad, with the draw set to take place on the 12th of this month.
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According to information from the Spanish newspaper “El Nacional,” Barcelona’s 5-0 triumph over Valencia in Mestalla not only guaranteed their qualification for the Copa del Rey semifinals but also provided an important takeaway: Ferran Torres is in his best form and is demanding a leading role in Hansi Flick’s team.
The former Valencia forward scored a stunning hat-trick in just 30 minutes, proving that when given the role of a central striker (“9”), he has the natural ability to find the back of the net. His off-the-ball movements, pressing ability, and tactical intelligence benefit both the wingers and midfielders, something that Pedri particularly appreciates on the pitch.
In the locker room, many players believe that Ferran Torres can make a greater contribution as a central forward compared to Robert Lewandowski himself. Among them, Pedri is one of the most convinced that his teammate suits Flick’s system better at this moment.
The difference between the two is clear: Lewandowski is considered a top-class penalty box striker, excelling in finishing but contributing less to pressing or team play.
On the other hand, Ferran Torres shows greater dynamism, presses intensely, and links up better with midfielders, creating spaces for the wingers.
Pedri, who is considered one of the tactical minds in the team, feels that having Ferran up front gives him more freedom and options to distribute passes into attacking spaces, something that is more complicated with Lewandowski due to his more static style.
Despite Hansi Flick’s strong commitment to Lewandowski since his arrival, he recognizes that the Polish striker is already 36 years old and cannot play every match. The club also acknowledges this reality and is searching for another top-tier striker in the market. However, Ferran Torres has proven that he could be the solution without the need for expensive signings.
In the coming weeks, Flick will have to evaluate whether to give Ferran continuity in the “9” role, especially since he has delivered excellent performances each time he has been placed in this position. If he continues performing at this level, Lewandowski might lose his status as the undisputed starting striker.
As the team continues to compete in La Liga and the Champions League, Flick faces the challenge of making a crucial decision on whether to keep Lewandowski in the starting lineup or make way for Ferran Torres, who is currently in excellent form.
What is clear is that Pedri and his teammates already have a clear idea of who fits best with the team’s current playing style.
