The stage is, finally, set.
A sense of anticipation about what is to come, and mournful regret about what has been suffered in the interim because of coronavirus’ cruel ravages, will be palpable when La Liga’s stars return to the field after more than three months away.
This truncated sprint to the finish should be defined, for many, by a stuttering title race between imperfect rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Interest in this rich division, however, can be derived from numerous sources. An emerging starlet from outside the inexorable ‘El Clasico’ duopoly is poised to go supernova in the 11-game dash towards July 19’s final day.
Joyously gifted Valencia winger Ferran Torres will provide essential viewing for a phalanx of scouts from Europe’s giants. Regular punters should follow their lead, beginning – if passed fit after a minor knee problem – with this weekend’s derby against Levante.
The uncapped 20-year-old has been presented as a moveable part in the great dance between Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United about Jadon Sancho. Real Madrid, Napoli, Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich have also been serially linked to his coveted signature.
A feeding frenzy, in short, is expected when the summer transfer market belatedly opens. Especially when an unsigned contract extension offer continues to linger over the Mestalla.
Such growing hype is a boon for La Liga watchers. Evidence continues to mount that Torres will justify it in vivid fashion.
A bountiful return of eight assists and six goals from 35 appearances, in all competitions, points to purpose in his play. His 18 key passes, according to Wyscout, is the joint-fourth most in La Liga, while 102 dribbles is the 21st-best.
The Spain Under-21 international skips past full-backs with impunity, be that through technical flashes or a sharp turn of pace. This sense of freedom has been enhanced by the trust placed in him by Albert Celades, a head coach who is helping to take the rough edges off Los Che’s diamond.
Space earned is then maximised by punishing accuracy with crosses.
March 10’s last run-out during aggregate defeat to Atalanta in the Champions League’s round of 16 stands as a tantalising reminder of what is to come.
Torres’ perfect centre landed on Kevin Gameiro’s header to make it 2-2 on the night, while he was all poise when goalkeeper Marco Sportiello’s rush of blood presented an opportunity to lob in a goal of his own to earn a temporary 3-2 lead.
A moment that went without reward, however, showcased true greatness. The tight, back-heeled turn under pressure in midfield and subsequent through ball, spurned by the ex-France striker, provided a flourish in Valencia’s forlorn injury time.
To be able to produce such brilliance in the centre points to a multi-faceted talent. So, too, the feint and slide-rule low pass from out wide that sent Rodrigo clear to slam home the only goal at Ajax in the group stage.
Lockdown has not diminished Torres’ focus. Rather, it seems to have, literally, strengthened it.
AS newspaper reported dogged work in the gym has resulted in a 4kg weight gain. The results are undeniable from pictures on the training pitch.
If superior durability has been attained without a stern price paid for high-end pace, a quantum developmental leap may be in store.
These are defining days in a career that should colour Spanish football for the next decade. Do not miss them.
