Alejandro Balde's new 'threat' is in La Masia: who is it?

Alejandro Balde will face his fifth season with the first team of FC Barcelona and, since his emergence in the Blaugrana squad in the 2021/22 season, he had not had such a serious 'threat' as the one posed by a player from 'La Masía' who has everything to enter the preseason tour.

In that sense, the name that haunts Balde is Jofre Torrents, who, if he has a good role in the preparation matches for the 2025/26 season, could move up to the first team to compete for the left-back position.

Torrents has emerged as one of the great surprises of Barça's preseason. His physical power and tactical maturity have caught the attention of the coaching staff, who also highlight his handling in demanding situations.

According to recent information, internal sources at the club claim that coach Hansi Flick is pleasantly surprised with his performance in training and would be considering keeping him in the first team dynamic.

Thus, the native of La Selva del Camp is exceeding all expectations and could alter the script planned for the left lane, where his emergence is already a topic of analysis in the locker room and in the offices.

Balde, facing the challenge of maintaining the starting position at left-back for Barça

The appearance of a new alternative for the left-back position, such as Jofre Torrents, poses a new direct challenge for Alejandro Balde, who had a 2024/25 season marked by the irregularity generated by physical problems.

The Catalan full-back, who has been undisputed in his best version thanks to his explosiveness and offensive vocation, must recover his highest level if he wants to maintain his place in the starting XI.

However, despite his physical problems, the '3' was able to participate in 47 matches (3,495 minutes) last season, where he contributed 1 goal and assisted on 10 occasions.

The left flank has three candidates: Torrents joins the fight

Although Balde is the owner of the left lane, for now, Gerard Martín should be considered in the fight for the demarcation. However, the continuity of the '35' is not assured in the Catalan team, as Premier League teams have been interested in him and, if a good offer arrives, he could leave the Blaugrana entity.

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With this scenario planned, Jofre Torrents comes into action, who, if Martín's departure does not materialize, would have a more complicated path to fight directly with Alejandro Balde.

However, Flick has identified in Torrents a different profile from the '35' and the '3'. The coach considers that Jofre is more offensive and less predictable than his competitors, in addition to highlighting his vertical reading of the game and providing greater solutions in depth.

The '37' of Barça Atlètic played in 16 matches (1,177 minutes) during the 24/25 season, where he recorded 2 assists, but could not contribute goals.

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