After a frustrating wait for almost an entire season, Barcelona youngster Pablo Torre made his first-ever start in a La Liga match last night against Real Valladolid at Estadio Jose Zorrilla.
Signed from Racing Santander in the summer, the 20-year-old midfield prospect has been tipped for a bright future at Barça. However, game-time has been very hard to come by for him under Xavi Hernandez, due to the competition in the centre of the park.
But whenever he has been given an opportunity, Torre has made the most of it, which was the case yesterday night as well. Indeed, the Spanish ace impressed during his time on the pitch despite the Blaugrana succumbing to a 3-1 defeat.
But, according to Ferran Correas of SPORT, even though Torre made a positive impression on the field last night, the youngster’s departure in the summer on a loan deal is ‘more than certain’.
Barcelona are looking to send the 20-year-old out on loan to a fellow La Liga club so that he can play regularly and accrue valuable experience that would allow him to stake a claim for a berth in Xavi’s plans at the club.
There have been reports that the Blaugrana’s technical staff have been unhappy with some of Torre’s behaviour off the pitch, which might have played a part in him receiving such limited game-time.
In all, Torre has played 12 times for the Barcelona first team this season, scoring and assisting one goal apiece.
Given the club’s intention to loan him out, there does not seem to be a shortage of suitors either, with Villarreal being tipped as one of the interested parties, while Real Sociedad are also keen.
It remains to be seen where he ends up, but as things stand, Torre seems certain to leave Barça on loan next season.
