Name: Oliver Torres
Club: Atletico Madrid
Nationality: Spanish
Position: Midfielder
Who is he?
The Torres surname is revered at Atletico Madrid due to Fernando’s exploits as a local boy come good. But the Colchoneros fans have another Torres to idolize – assuming he sticks around.
Having joined Atletico aged 13 in 2008, Oliver Torres has progressed through the youth ranks. He made his senior debut last season under Diego Simeone aged 17.
But Simeone was careful with his young star, letting him spend most of the season with Atletico Madrid B team in the third tier and giving eight substitute appearances for the first team.
Achievements
The 18-year-old was a member of the Spain team for the U20 World Cup this summer, starting every game as Spain reached the last-8. In 2012 he won the U19 European Championship.
He is also closer to the first team this season and came off the bench for Atletico last weekend in the 3 – 1 away win at Sevilla.
Attributes
Torres can play in central midfield but his main position is attacking midfield. Like most Spanish youngsters he is excellent at passing the ball and retaining possession. His range and accuracy of passing especially from the centre to the flanks is impressive.
He is the type of player that has the intelligence to mould and alter the flow of a game.
Like the Iscos and Andres Iniesta of this world, he also possesses brilliant ball control and is capable of casting himself off onto a dribble.
In terms of weaknesses, his goalscoring is definitely not impressive, having netted just once in the Segunda Division B.
Potential
There was talk of Barcelona having first dibs on him as part of the David Villa to Atletico deal, but this appears to be purely speculation.
Manchester City have also been linked with him. But if he takes a look at the career of Spain U19 star Denis Suarez who has not had a look in for City’s first team.
Torres would be served best by learning his trade at Atletico who are a rising force and are in the Champions League.
Torres still needs to develop and moving could hamper that, especially as there are suggestions that Torres expects to be a starter, even if it is too early in his development.
