"More confident than last season" - Xavi lauds Barcelona attacker for overcoming poor run of form 

Barcelona boss Xavi recently praised Spanish forward Ferran Torres, who seems to have overcome his poor run of form from last season.

During the 2022/23 campaign, Ferran Torres scored just four goals and provided two assists in 33 La Liga appearances. However, the former Manchester City winger has already scored three goals in just nine league appearances this season and has had a greater impact on the Blaugrana's performances.

Speaking ahead of Barca's UEFA Champions League fixture against Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday, October 25, Xavi acknowledged the winger's up-tick in form. He said (via Barca Blaugranes):

"He looks more confident than last season. He’s doing the things that I want him to do and he’s doing them right. He’s a great player."

This year, Torres has started five La Liga ties but has only been used as a substitute in the UEFA Champions League. Having started his side's last two league matches, the 23-year-old attacker is likely to be named in Xavi's line-up on Wednesday in the absence of Robert Lewandowski.

The Poland international has been sidelined since Barcelona's previous Champions League clash against Porto earlier this month due to an ankle injury.

In the game against Porto, Lewandowski was replaced by Ferran Torress after the former suffered the injury in the first-half. The Spaniard scored the only goal of the match in first-half stoppage time.

Barcelona are placed on top of Group H, having won both their opening matches and racking up six points. They defeated Antwerp 5-0 while managing to secure a slender 1-0 win against Porto.

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Barcelona manager Xavi points out importance of Champions League clashes despite weekend's El Clasico

Xavi (via Getty Images)

Barcelona are gearing up to face Shakhtar Donetsk in their midweek Champions League clash before they take on arch-rivals Real Madrid this weekend (October 28).

Although the clash of the two Spanish giants is just around the corner, Xavi has stressed the importance of remaining focused on his side's upcoming match. Speaking ahead of the Champions League fixture, he said (via Barca Blaugranes):

"I tell the players that it is the Champions League even if there is a Clasico just around the corner. We want nine points from nine. It’s very important to get through."

Should Barcelona win their match tomorrow, they will sit pretty on top of their group with nine points from three games. Another win in the Shakhtar Donetsk reverse fixture (November 7) would allow the manager to rotate and rest players for the remaining group games.