Spain were quiet heroes at the World Cup, valiantly showing the world what the beautiful game can be when you play collectively, and with integrity, at the highest level.
Still, in order to raise the trophy, one man would have to rise to the occassion to slay the Argentine dragon.
That man was the unlikeliest of heroes. While many expected Lamine Yamal to rise to superstardom on the world’s biggest stage, it was instead Ferran Torres who rose to the occasion, smashing home the game winner in extra
time.
The shark in action. Smelling blood and going for the kill.
That’s Spanish football for you in a nutshell, and Ferran by now understands it well.
You put the team above everything, but when your moment arrives, you must seize the day.
Perhaps that’s why Lamine struggled so much in this tournament, at least relative to the great expectations that were put on him. Simply too much pressure to perform statistically against the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and the other superstars du jour.
In the World Cup final, the media were hyping it up not so much as Spain versus Argentina, but Lamine Yamal versus Messi. From one GOAT of the game to the next.
But that’s not what football is about, and Spain reminded us of that. In many ways, Hansi Flick’s Barcelona does the same thing. Champions are made because they are greater than the sum of their parts.
Ferran never lived up to expectations at Barcelona, because when he was brought in, he was marketed to be someone that he wasn’t, and never could be.
It didn’t help that Barcelona were at their lowest, and looking for their next hero to take the reigns from Messi, who had just left for PSG.
For Spain, Ferran was the 12th man. For Barcelona, he plays the the same role. Finally, expectations have caught up with reality, and the talented striker is able to shine.
For those who follow Barcelona, they won’t be surprised that Ferran got the game winner. We know how lethal he can be when his number is called.
Ferran never wanted to be a star. He just wanted to play for a great team, and contribute in any way he can to their success.
That’s why Luis de la Fuente has always rated him, and why Flick has found his so useful as well.
Ferran’s future is unclear. Now, PSG and others will almost certainly come calling, and make a pass at signing the hero of the World Cup.
Will it give Barcelona second thoughts, or will they cash out while their prized asset’s value is on the rise?
I think Flick would hate to lose Ferran Torres.
In the end, it will come down to what Ferran wants. At this point, he’s earned that much. It’s a feel good story about a player who blocked out the noise, never gave up, and earned the respect of the world on merit.
As a Spain and Barcelona fan, for now, I’ll just say thank you Ferran Torres.
I was one of the people who doubted you, but today I can say you are truly a special player in your own right.
Doubt the shark at your own peril. It may come back around to bite you.
