Pep Might Have A Striking Answer

While playing for his country, Torres shows poaching instincts that his club need

- Neil Humphreys

Manchester City are still in the market for an accomplished finisher, comfortable with either foot and reliable in the air.

The Spaniards already have one. They got him from City.

And so, the circle of Ferran Torres’ schizophrenic life continues, accumulating goals for his country and gathering splinters on the bench for his club.

Spain coach Luis Enrique reveres him. City manager Pep Guardiola currently ignores him.

Torres scored twice in Spain’s 2-1 win against Italy in the Nations League semi-finals yesterday morning (Singapore time), but had no role to play in the Liverpool draw last weekend, when City squandered too many opportunities.

It seems such a striking paradox. Guardiola fretted over Harry Kane’s availability all summer, but now overlooks a rising forward with natural goalscoring instincts.

In truth, Torres’ performance against Italy bore closer resemblance to City’s former striker Sergio Aguero. For both goals, he ghosted towards the far post. The first was put away with a guided side-volley. The second was a smart header across the goalkeeper, textbook stuff for a penalty-box prowler.