The Spanish press has slammed Barcelona star Ferran Torres for his ‘awful’ display against Real Betis in the Supercopa. He is also a transfer target of Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen rose to the occasion to secure the Blaugrana a 4-2 win on penalties in the semi-final on Thursday. Robert Lewandowski (40’) and Ansu Fati (93’) had twice put Xavi’s side ahead. But Nabil Fekir (77’) and Loren Moron (101’) replied to force a shootout.
Pedri produced the Camp Nou outfit’s winning penalty after Ter Stegen denied Juanmi and William Carvalho. Barcelona will now take on Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final in a Classico clash. But Xavi would not revel in Torres’ role in beating Manuel Pellegrini’s side.
Xavi introduced Torres as a 63rd-minute substitute for Ousmane Dembele at the King Fahd International Stadium in Saudi Arabia. But the 22-year-old struggled to impress in place of the France star, who had shone. Him being offside also denied Lewandowski after Fekir hit.
Former Leeds United forward Raphinha also denied Torres one chance to cause Real Betis some problems. The Brazilian failed to pick his Blaugrana teammate out whilst in acres of space shortly after his introduction. But Torres’ influence was neither here nor there after.
Arsenal and Tottenham are targeting Torres’ transfer from Barcelona in January
Torres’ display as Barcelona beat Real Betis in the Supercopa failed to show why Arsenal or Tottenham are targeting his transfer. Bild has reported that the Gunners are the most likely team to gain his services. Mikel Arteta’s presence helps them edge interest from AC Milan.
But the German publication also cites Spurs as a possible landing spot for the 35-cap Spain star. While Estadio Deportivo has also reported that Tottenham are ready to pay Barcelona up to €40m (£35.5m) for Torres’ transfer. Yet Camp Nou chiefs want more for their forward.
Barcelona paid Manchester City an initial £46.5m, plus £8.5m in add-ons, to sign Torres in the January 2022 sales. Yet he has only offered 12 goals and seven assists during 48 games in all competitions since. The attacker has hit five and created a goal in 22 games this term.
Luis Enrique also took Torres to the World Cup and he scored twice against Costa Rica. The forward featured in all four of La Roja’s ties, as well. But AS now wonders why Arsenal and Tottenham transfer target Torres went to Qatar after his display in Barcelona vs Real Betis:
“Awful. He didn’t give a right. He is at such a low level that sometimes one doubts how he was called up for the World Cup. His contribution, in attack and defence, is simply nil.”
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