€3m Barcelona midfield gem reflects on impressive performance vs Villarreal

FC Barcelona managed to get past Villarreal with an impressive 5-1 win with the attack looking razor sharp. Despite having some nervy moments defensively, Hansi Flick’s men did enough to keep their perfect start to La Liga intact.

There were a few eyebrows that were raised when Flick named his starting XI for the trip to Estadi de la Ceràmica. It included a few surprises with Gerard Martin starting over Alejandro Balde and Pablo Torre getting his first start of the season.

Torre had an incredible impact on the game in his favored #10 role, looking at home and coming up with one assist and one goal. His goal might have been a fortunate attempt thanks to a deflection but the assist was a work of art that would have made Andres Iniesta proud.

The 21-year-old had a chance to speak to the media post-game where he reflected on his performance vs the Yellow Submarine. He first had a message to Barcelona captain Marc-Andre Ter Stegen who was stretchered off during the game. As quoted by Mundo Deportivo, here is what he had to say:

“We knew it was a difficult match. We’re leaving with the thorn in our side about Marc. I send him a big hug from the whole team and the fans, we’ll see what they tell us in the next few hours. We have to do tests. Injuries are the worst thing in football.”

He then went on to reflect on his own performance and admitted that he knew he could be much better. Torre was guilty of giving the ball away a few times and it’s good that he is self-critical. He continued:

“I think I can be much better, but in the end, I’m happy with the minutes. Playing for Barça is a dream and I’m happy. The manager asks us to be very mobile, to get into the area, to play easily.”

Torre then went on to explain how he deals with not being a regular starter. He admitted that all that was in his hands was to be prepared and ready to take the opportunity when it came. Here is what the €3m-rated Barcelona midfield gem had to say:

“Daily work is important so that it can be seen in the matches. Although we are not as important as we would like, we give everything and try to be prepared. We must continue working daily because the opportunities come, whenever they may be.”

Talking about taking opportunities, that’s exactly what Torre did against Villarreal. He has surely played his way into Hansi Flick’s plans and at least until Dani Olmo and Fermin return, the German would be tempted to give him an extended run.

Let’s hope Torre can build on this performance and keep chipping in constantly with goals and assists going forward. If he does so, he gives Flick a headache with regards to team selection, and let’s wait and see how it goes.