Ferran Torres scores in second straight game

So far so good for Ferran Torres.

After a disappointing last season, the former Valencia and Manchester City forward looks a different player. A player with much more confidence.

He scored Barcelona’s equalizer in their 4-3 win over Villarreal. It was Torres’ second straight game with a goal as he also scored in the 2-0 win over Cádiz.

While Lamine Yamal has rightly taken the headlines, it’s important to point out Torres’ drastic improvement.

“I’ve been working hard, sometimes there’s invisible work that goes unnoticed,” Torres said after the game. “Now I’m able to help the team with goals.”

When he first arrived, one of the knocks on Torres was he would put himself in good positions to score, only to be wasteful in front of goal. Last season, he wasn’t even able to do that.

He looked bereft of confidence and it showed on the pitch. His touches and decision making left much to be desired.

One of the differences so far this season compared to last is he was able to do a preseason. He was injured and couldn’t take part in any of Barcelona’s warm-up matches. It then took him more time to embed back into the team. The arrival of Raphinha also threw a wrench in his playing time.

He’s scored in two of Barcelona’s three matches and has been a game-changer in the limited minutes he’s gotten in those three games. He’s used the offseason to get in better shape and prove he can succeed at Barcelona as he’s been one of the players rumored to be leaving.

He’s yet to start a game but that could change quickly. Robert Lewandowski has struggled and even though he scored in the win over Villarreal, he missed a sitter and it’s another sign of how things have gone for him lately.

Torres isn’t demanding to start, rather he’s more focused on making the best of his opportunity.

“I simply make the most of the minutes I get,” Torres said. “The coach decides. When I play, I contribute with assists, hard work, whatever I can.”