After the arrival of Jack Grealish, Manchester City have moved one step closer to becoming the most intimidating team in Europe. Their financial superiority, combined with Pep Guardiola’s impeccable management, have helped them dominate English football in recent years. But while one would expect the Citizens to mostly work around their star players, there are multiple stars who are under the radar hoping to stamp their authority at Etihad Stadium.
One of them could be Ferran Torres, who is coming on the back of a Euro 2020 campaign with Spain. He was signed from Valencia last summer, but can he do enough to become a first-team regular at Manchester City next season?
Ferran’s First Season At Etihad
Ferran Torres’ debut campaign in England saw him amass 24 Premier League appearances, scoring seven goals. With just 15 starts, the attacker clearly struggled to establish himself as a viable first-team regular, with three of his seven goals also coming in the victory over Newcastle United on Matchday 36.
The Spaniard fell behind Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden and Gabriel Jesus in the pecking order, though he was involved in six Champions League matches, scoring four goals.
But once again, most of his appearances came in the Group Stages, with the youngster featuring only once in the knockout rounds, that too in the Round of 16 against Borussia Monchengladbach.
How Will Grealish’s Arrival Impact Him?
In a season where he was hoping to make his Premier League breakthrough, the arrival of Jack Grealish is certainly a massive blow for Ferran Torres. There is no doubt that the Aston Villa star is one of the best players in English football and is expected to fight for a regular place in the starting eleven.
Moreover, the rejuvenation of Raheem Sterling during Euro 2020 should force Guardiola to reconsider his stance on the winger. The former Liverpool man had fallen out of favour during the backend of last season, but his return to form may even make him a guaranteed starter at Man City next season.
Why Ferran Torres Can Still Make An Impact
The addition of Grealish, combined with the presence of some star players like Mahrez, Sterling and Foden, is certainly detrimental for Torres. However, what still makes him a favourite to make a breakthrough at Etihad is his versatility.
Despite being a right-winger by trade, Torres can effortlessly be employed as a centre forward. It should appease Guardiola for multiple reasons, especially if the Catalan tactician misses out on the signing of Harry Kane.
Indeed, the Citizens are lacking options in the goalscoring department, despite all their talent in the creative unit. And with Sergio Aguero joining Barcelona, Ferran Torres might just get the nod ahead of Gabriel Jesus as the club’s main forward next season, should they miss out on Kane.
The former Valencia youngster has had tremendous success playing as a false-nine under Luis Enrique. Guardiola is expected to employ a similar method next season, thereby giving Ferran an ideal opportunity to stamp his authority in the Premier League.
