3 shots, 3 goals — Barcelona forward shows incredible efficiency in front of goal against Valencia | OneFootball

FC Barcelona put on a clinical show of attacking football against Valencia at the Mestalla last night in the Copa del Rey, winning the game with a scoreline of 5-0. It was the second time Hansi Flick’s men were facing their opponents in 10 days and they have scored an aggregate 12 goals past them in these two encounters.

Hansi Flick made some intriguing choices in his starting lineup, including giving a start to former Valencia star Ferran Torres. The Spaniard, as he has all season, seized his opportunity and capped the night with a hat-trick.

There was a time when Ferran Torres was ridiculed by Barcelona fans for the number of chances he missed in front of goals. The 24-year-old was never really appreciated for what he was and rather judged for what he wasn’t but thankfully, the coaches continued to back him.

Last night, against Valencia, at the Mestalla, Ferran showcased just how clinical he has gotten in front of the goal. As per Sofa Score, the Spanish attacker had three shots on target last night in the 90 minutes that he played, and found the back of the net on each occasion.

He recorded 30 touches in the 90 minutes, completing 14 out of 20 passes including his only attempted long ball. Apart from the three goals that he scored, the 24-year-old also provided two key passes and was unfortunate to end the game without an assist.

Every time Ferran has played in recent weeks, he has looked extremely confident in front of goal. Each of his three goals at the Mestalla last night were excellent finishes and this was not a hattrick that came about by fluke.

For Barcelona to have a backup striker who has played less than 1000 minutes this season and is already in double figures for goals, is quite a luxury. It also allows Hansi Flick to rest Robert Lewandowski and choose the number nine based on the game state.

Hansi Flick has improved a lot of Barcelona players since the start of the season and Ferran Torres is certainly one of them. One can only hope for the Shark to keep getting better from here on and let’s wait and see how it plays out.