Ferran Torres dazzles in 100th appearance

Ferran Torres made his 100th appearance for FC Barcelona this Sunday, and what a way to celebrate! Not only did he score three of the goals but he also assisted the other of the four that earned a fabulous 4-2 victory at the home of Real Betis.

The first was a gift from Pedri after 21 minutes in which his job amounted to little more than seeing the ball over the line. But it's not just about scoring goals, it's also about being in the right place, and that's exactly where he was. The second was a stunning volley after Lamine Yamal had almost scored a stunner himself but thudded the ball against the crossbar. And after setting up his Portuguese colleague for goal number three, his 92nd minute goal was the icing on the cake and he coolly absorbed the pressure of a one-on-one situation against Rui Silva in the Betis goal.

Barça stats

The 'shark' as he has come to be known, came to Catalonia from Manchester City in the winter of 2021/22 and scored seven goals and gave six assists in his first half-season at the club. The following year, he returned seven goals and three assists across all competitions, a tally that he was far from happy with.

But he refused to given in, and this season he has been back with such a verve that he now one of the most essential men in the Xavi's squad. In 29 games so far this season, he already has eleven goals and three assists in his account.

Second top under Xavi

With 25 goals, Ferran Torres is the second highest Barça goalscorer since Xavi Hernández took charge of the team. Out in front, and quite a way out in front, is Robert Lewandowski with 45, while Raphinha is third with 14.