Scout Report: Oliver Torres

NO, he isn't the main character in the Charles Dickens novel, NOR is he the younger brother of former Atletico favourite, Fernando Torres (maybe a cross between the two). The baby faced 18 year old joined the Atletico Madrid youth squad at the age of 13 and shot through the ranks, making his first team debut at the tender age of 17, without having even played for the reserve side. Oliver as he is often known, has even made his Champions League debut, featuring as a substitute in the 2-1 against Porto earlier on this season. In fact, the attacking midfielder has already begun breaking records, becoming the fastest goalscorer in the club's history, netting after just 13 seconds on his first start for the club, in the 5-0 win against Real Betis a few weeks ago. Yet, Torres hasn't dwelt on his shining moment for long, as he was at training at 10.30 the next morning, requiring him to skip his uni class. He remains determined to improve and execute manager, Diego Simeone's philosophy of hard work. Unsurprisingly for a player of his talent, Oliver has featured prominently at youth level for Spain, making appearances for their u16, 19s (where he won a European Championship at the age of 17) and has also recently featured for the u21s.

Oliver is blessed with exceptional vision and boasts and impeccable range of passing (a bit of given). He mainly plays in an attacking midfield or central midfield role, and somewhat typically for a Spaniard retains possession and keeps playing ticking over. One of his most remarkable attributes, given his age, is his footballing intelligence. He has a strong first touch and is seemingly always aware of what is happening around him. To add to this, he has a good turn of pace and quick feet, allowing him to transition into an attack almost effortlessly. 

His one weakness may come in the form of his defensive work rate. Granted this is something that may come with age, and may also been compounded by the fact that the current Atletico side play on the counter, soaking up pressure and pouncing, rather than chasing the ball and winning it high up the pitch. Atletico team-mate David Villa has heaped praise on the youngster, stating: 

"He has a huge future ahead of him, everyone at Atletico loves him, we see him every day and we don't have to rush him...The fans have years and years ahead to enjoy this kid. Be patient because he has everything to be exceptional."

This leads us on nicely to his transfer situation. Spanish football expert, Guillem Balague believes that Barcelona have first option for the youngster, as part of the deal that brought David Villa to Madrid for just 5 million Euros this summer. This hasn't been confirmed and Chelsea have also been linked with Oliver (although I'm not sure what they would do with another creative midfielder). Torres has a contract keeping his at the Vicente Calderon until June 2017, and for now, particularly with Atleti doing as well as they are, it appears that he'll be developing under Diego Simeone for the foreseeable future.

With more game time, development of his all round game and perhaps more goals, there is no reason why the 18 year old cannot live up to his nickname of 'Miniesta'

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