Ferran Torres has been mocked on social media after a disappointing debut for Barcelona in their El Clasico defeat to Real Madrid.
Torres joined Barcelona in a £55m move from Manchester City at the start of the month was only officially registered by the Catalan club on Monday due to their ongoing financial problems.
The 21-year-old finally made his debut in the Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Madrid in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday night.
But things didn’t go to plan for the Spain international, who was booked in the first half before being substituted by head coach Xavi at half-time.
Barcelona would go on to lose the match 3-2 in extra-time and fans immediately took to social media to question the signing of Torres.
Akpanyung_ wrote: “Ferran Torres with one of the worst debuts I’ve ever seen.”
Mmakki96 added: “Ferran Torres’s debut is disappointing - not worth 50 mil.”
“I already feel we robbed Barca £55m for Ferran Torres,” joked Manchester City supporter GeniusKDB.
However, other fans have leapt to the defence of Torres and claim it is unfair to judge the forward based on one performance.
“Don’t worry Ferran it’s just the beginning and your first match in 4 months,” wrote Ace_Jose0.
BigDogCam77 added: “It was definitely not the game to bring him on. It is a Shame Ferran Torres is just coming back and could not play longer but was nice to see him debut.
“Going to take a little while to get to 100 percent but need him.”
Speaking after his first El Clasico as Barcelona head coach, Xavi gave his full backing to Torres.
“Both Ferran Torres and Pedri will be very important but they lack rhythm… the same goes for Ansu [Fati],” said Xavi.
Madrid have now won the last five El Clasico meetings and progress to the Super Cup final on Sunday, where they will face either Atletico Madrid or Athletic Bilbao.
Featured Image Credit: Alamy & BT SportTopics: Manchester City, Barcelona, Real Madrid, La Liga, Football
Rory O'Callaghan