FC Barcelona take a trip to the Reale Arena to face Real Sociedad. The game marks the Catalan club’s return to La Liga after their Spanish Super Cup duties and the Copa del Rey Round of 16.
Hansi Flick’s team has been in brilliant form across all competitions and will look to continue that against Real Sociedad. However, facing La Real away from home will not be a walk in the park for Barcelona.
The German manager needs to get his team selection spot on to give Barcelona the best chance of emerging victorious on the night. With this in mind, we at Sempre Barca believe Hansi Flick should start Ferran Torres as the striker.
The €50m-rated Spanish forward is coming off a goalscoring display against Racing Santander, and his strike was very well taken. He is Barcelona’s leading scorer so far this season, and the Sociedad game should suit his style.
At the Reale Arena, Ferran is likely to have space to run in behind, which is exactly the kind of scenario he thrives on. He is much less effective against deep blocks, and that is not the type of game Barcelona are expecting tonight.
To his credit, the ex-Manchester City man has improved his decision-making in front of goal. Although there are nights when he flatters to be decisive, the truth is that Ferran has grown in leaps and bounds as a footballer.
His finishing has improved, and he is much calmer, as seen with the goal he scored against Racing. He seems to have a newfound penchant for rounding the goalkeeper before slotting the ball into the net, which is a useful skill set to have.
With the likes of Lamine, Raphinha, and Pedri around him to supply the through ball, Ferran could have a very good game against Real Sociedad, should Hansi Flick choose to start him.
This is the main reason we at Sempre Barca are advocating for the Spaniard to be the starting no. 9 tonight. Let us see whether Flick agrees and gives him the nod against Real Sociedad.
