Numbers show Barcelona ahead is simpler as an alternative than a starter

Ferran Torres acquired a uncommon beginning alternative for FC Barcelona final night time as they confronted Atletico Madrid within the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final tie.

The Spanish worldwide had been pushing for a beginning berth after scoring objectives off the bench in addition to his performances to this point within the Copa del Rey, the place he had already netted 4 instances earlier than Tuesday.

As such, Hansi Flick opted to go away out his ace goalscorer Robert Lewandowski in favour of Ferran towards Atletico Madrid – a choice that finally didn’t repay for the Blaugrana.

Ferran not as efficient when he begins

Ferran differs from Lewandowski in lots of elements of play and did ask some questions of the Atletico Madrid defence together with his motion, however did not capitalise on his 68 minutes on the pitch towards Atletico Madrid.

Thus far this season, Barcelona’s No. 7 has scored six objectives in 18 appearances when coming off the bench (341 minutes) – averaging a objective each 56.83 minutes.

As compared, he has netted 5 instances from ten begins (679 minutes) – making it a objective each 135.8 minutes.

Ferran missed large probabilities vs Atletico. (Picture by David Ramos/Getty Pictures)

It’s clear from the numbers that Ferran has been extra impactful and influential when used as an alternative by Flick within the latter phases of the sport at a time when opposition defences are tiring out.

Lacking gilt-edged probabilities

Final night time towards Atletico Madrid, Ferran had two of Barcelona’s greatest probabilities within the match however fluffed his strains on each events.

The primary got here within the eleventh minute when his crew have been trailing 0-2. A by ball from Raphinha despatched him one-on-one with Juan Musso. Nevertheless, Torres’ shot, which lacked sufficient energy, was simply saved by the Atletico shot-stopper.

The second probability arrived within the thirty first minute after an Atletico mistake whereas enjoying out from the again.

Ferran as soon as once more discovered himself by on objective and even dribbled previous Musso, however failed to use sufficient drive to his shot, permitting Jose Maria Gimenez to clear the ball earlier than it crossed the road.

The previous Manchester Metropolis ahead is on observe to attain the objective tally of his profession this season however his performances as a starter increase questions as as to if he’s greatest used as an impression substitute.