Decision made: Barcelona will count on 21-year-old starlet after impressive pre-season

Coming into the summer, it seemed as if Pablo Torre had no future at FC Barcelona after he went through a quiet loan spell at Girona last season.

Indeed, it was suggested that the 21-year-old midfielder would not have a place in manager Hansi Flick’s plans and as such, either a loan move or a permanent exit would be sought for him.

A complete turnaround

However, Torre has sparked a complete turnaround in his situation on the back of some impressive performances in pre-season.

So much so that, Barcelona and Hansi Flick are counting on the young midfielder for the next season unless he himself asks for an exit, as per Mundo Deportivo.

Torre has been one of the most outstanding players for Flick’s Barça this pre-season. With Pedri, Ilkay Gundogan and Fermin Lopez absent for various reasons, he has been chosen to occupy the No. 10 position in the 4-2-3-1 that the coach proposes.

And, Torre has made the most of his chances, scoring the only goal in the win against UE Olot and adding another in the 2-2 draw vs Manchester City before playing more than an hour in the Clasico vs Real Madrid.

Coaching staff satisfied

As per the report, Torre’s response on the pitch after a season on loan at Girona has left both the coaching staff and the sporting department very satisfied.

So much so that they consider that the former Racing Santander player has a place in the first-team squad for the next season.

Flick wants a large squad so that he can have depth across all positions in a demanding season and as such wants to keep hold of Torre.

But the situation could change if the 21-year-old himself were to ask to leave Barça in search of more playing time, as in principle he is behind Pedri, Gundogan, and Fermin in the pecking order.

Those around Torre do not want to rush into any decisions and prefer to go for a game-by-game policy to see how he evolves in the time that remains until the market closes at midnight on 30 August.