Numbers prove Barcelona forward is more effective as a substitute than a starter | OneFootball

Ferran Torres received a rare starting opportunity for FC Barcelona last night as they faced Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final tie.

The Spanish international had been pushing for a starting berth after scoring goals off the bench as well as his performances so far in the Copa del Rey, where he had already netted four times before Tuesday.

As such, Hansi Flick opted to leave out his ace goalscorer Robert Lewandowski in favour of Ferran against Atletico Madrid – a decision that ultimately did not pay off for the Blaugrana.

Ferran not as effective when he starts

Ferran differs from Lewandowski in many aspects of play and did ask some questions of the Atletico Madrid defence with his movement, but failed to capitalise on his 68 minutes on the pitch against Atletico Madrid.

So far this season, Barcelona’s No. 7 has scored six goals in 18 appearances when coming off the bench (341 minutes) – averaging a goal every 56.83 minutes.

In comparison, he has netted five times from ten starts (679 minutes) – making it a goal every 135.8 minutes.

Ferran missed big chances vs Atletico. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

It is clear from the numbers that Ferran has been more impactful and influential when used as a substitute by Flick in the latter stages of the game at a time when opposition defences are tiring out.

Missing gilt-edged chances

Last night against Atletico Madrid, Ferran had two of Barcelona’s best chances in the match but fluffed his lines on both occasions.

The first came in the 11th minute when his team were trailing 0-2. A through ball from Raphinha sent him one-on-one with Juan Musso. However, Torres’ shot, which lacked enough power, was easily saved by the Atletico shot-stopper.

The second chance arrived in the 31st minute after an Atletico mistake while playing out from the back.

Ferran once again found himself through on goal and even dribbled past Musso, but failed to apply enough force to his shot, allowing Jose Maria Gimenez to clear the ball before it crossed the line.

The former Manchester City forward is on track to achieve the goal tally of his career this season but his performances as a starter raise questions as to whether he is best used as an impact substitute.