Ferran Torres tries to regain his place in the City

Not even the best stories can keep everyone happy. Guardiola's City is going through a great moment, ready to make history by achieving the record for the most wins in a row in Europe. After 4-1 against the Wolves there are 21 games in a row winning and they have a shot the 22 that Ancelotti's Madrid achieved in the 2014-2015 season, with an eye also to the records of the Bayern Y Ajax.

An idyllic situation that catapults the City to what it would be the third league in five years for Guardiola, but that seems to have a clear handicapped. Neither more nor less than Ferran Torres (21), the Spanish player who surprised everyone with his quick adaptation but who has been turned off in recent months.

Sterling, Mahrez, Foden, Gabriel Jesus, Agüero …

From the first moment that the signing of Ferran Torres for City was announced (23 million), the big question was what gap would the Valencian have in an attack with so much competition. The ball fell on Guardiola's court, who had to continue the progression of the winger in an offensive trident with names like Sterling, Mahrez, Foden, Omen, Gabriel Jesus and even Bernardo Silva, who is playing indoors but can do it higher.

The “problem” was very similar to what happened with Phil Foden, great promise of the quarry of the City nicknamed the 'Iniesta from Stockport'. Nobody doubted his potential, but it was hard to see him often in the eleven of the skyblues. Injuries to the team's forwards gave an unexpected opportunity to Ferran at the start of the season and despite the fact that he took advantage of it, Since the City began its historic streak, Guardiola has counted less on him, undoubtedly harmed after his positive in Covid.

In 2021 he has only played two games as a starter in the league of the 13 played, staying on the bench without going out up to seven times, losing several by the Covid and jumping in the second half others. In total this year has played 233 minutes in the league, while in the previous fourteen Premier matches accumulated seven starts and 572 '.

After four substitutions in five games, Guardiola gave him the opportunity again against West Ham last weekend leaving a one-shot performance. Against the Wolves he did not play again for a single minute in a game that was 1-1 until 80 'and in which Pep only decided to put Gundogan on the field. In the FA Cup yes, he has been able to count on more lights playing the 90 minutes in the fourth round and the round of 16 scoring a goal against Cheltenham Town. Little by little he has to pick up the pace.

An unknown versatility and scoring ability

The role of Ferran Torres has changed in a matter of weeks and it does not mean by any means that it is his fault. The recovery of Gabriel Jesus and the great performance they are offering Sterling, Mahrez Y Foden to which is added the return of Omen, leaves the Spanish without gaps since, for the moment, Guardiola miracles can not do.

In part Ferran is victim of his good start That made us think that this season was not going to be one of adaptation, as happens to many players when they arrive at a great of the Premier, such as Rodri. Given the multiple casualties in attack, the Spanish showed a polyvalence unknown. Accustomed to the right wing of Mestalla, in the City has had more minutes as a forward or left winger, adapting to what Guardiola needed.

This possibility of playing on the entire attack front gave him many opportunities that he responded in the best way. At the beginning of December it was with six goals the team's top scorer along with Sterling, with a special impact on the Champions League with a goal in each of the first three games. In fact, as it collects The Athletic, Spanish became the third-youngest player to score in four Champions League games in a row (counting on the return to Atalanta with Valencia) only behind the two monsters, Haaland Y Mbappe.

A scorer facet that was unleashed on his arrival in England, his hat-trick to Germany it is good proof of it and not seen in Valencia. In his 44 games last season he scored six goals, the same ones that he wore on December 10 and that he has surpassed by two newcomers to March.

Guardiola opts for the slow fire

With what was shown in that beginning, the fans citizens they rub their hands over the bargain they got for less than 25 million. Ferran has just turned 21 and Guardiola knows that there is no no rush with the player. In fact, it is even good not to put stripes on him so soon and to remove him from the media spotlight in a certain way.

The coach likes to have a wide rotation in attack and when the magic of Mahrez, 30 years old, starts to run out, he will have the replacement in his own home. A process similar to that experienced by another young man like Phil Foden. Torres has already accumulated more than 1500 minutes this season, a great figure for the first year of such a young player and he has already shown what he is capable of.

The situation is not at all alarming. Guardiola had to dip into his new recipe earlier than expected, but now, with the main menu dishes back, you know its best to let it simmer.