Seven goals from seven shots on target: Ferran Torres electrifies PSG from the bench

Coming on as a substitute in the 59th minute at the Vélodrome on Sunday, Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in Paris Saint-Germain’s 2-1 victory over Olympique de Marseille with a header into the top corner of Jeffrey De Lange’s goal, just seven minutes after replacing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. A poacher’s finish, from a well-placed cross by Désiré Doué, that perfectly sums up the immediate impact of the summer signing.

The statistics for the Spanish striker since his arrival in Paris this summer defy logic. Before this Classique, Torres had scored seven goals from his first seven shots on target across all competitions — a streak that De Lange finally ended by saving his eighth attempt. The overall record remains nonetheless stunning: seven goals in six matches across all competitions.

In PSG’s modern history, only one player has had a more prolific start: Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who scored eight goals in his first six appearances. Torres immediately places himself in a very select hierarchy.

Beyond the numbers, the Spanish international is redefining PSG’s attacking play. His profile as a poacher and space-finder, capable of making incisive runs down the middle, fills a gap identified since the start of the season. The quality of passing from PSG’s midfield amplifies his effectiveness even further.

Luis Enrique makes no secret of his satisfaction. “I am especially pleased with all our signings. They all bring important things. To continue growing as a team, we need them, especially Ferran, who is in incredible form,” the PSG head coach said. “He is especially strong in his runs down the middle, he takes up space. And when you have midfielders like ours, with the quality to make passes… He is in a very good moment and we are happy to have him.”

This efficiency now poses a genuine tactical dilemma for Luis Enrique: the former Manchester City and FC Barcelona player, the sole goalscorer in the 2022 World Cup final, is demonstrating match after match that he possesses the qualities of a starter.