Ferran returns to the Etihad, where his transformation began

Ferran returns to the Etihad Stadium tonight, the place where his transformation began. Now used as a centre-forward by PSG, he is back at the ground where Pep Guardiola first started deploying him as a number 9. He arrives with seven goals in seven matches in the Paris side’s shirt.

That change took shape at Manchester City. During his year and a half at the club, Ferran scored 16 goals in 43 appearances. Pep Guardiola said he might now need to be viewed as a striker, pointing to his instinct for anticipating where the ball would arrive. The coach also praised his intelligence in making runs behind the defence.

Ferran, however, initially described himself as a direct winger. In June 2020, before joining Manchester City, he said: « I’m a pure winger, quick and powerful, who likes to get to the byline. It’s a style that is disappearing. These days, wide players are often put on their weaker foot so they can cut inside and look for shooting chances. »

When Ferran played for Valencia, he was also described as a forward who liked to drift out wide. Later, on the eve of the Qatar World Cup, while a Barcelona player, he said he would choose Villa if he wanted advice. David Villa subsequently acknowledged that Ferran reminded him a lot of himself.

In January 2022, his move to Barcelona for 55 million euros had been a specific request from Xavi Hernández. After joining PSG, Ferran also spoke about Luis Enrique’s faith in him: « I’ve always said Luis Enrique is like a father to me. He has always believed in me, and he has done so again by bringing me to PSG. He has given me a lot of confidence, and I hope to repay him. »

The return to the Etihad brings that journey into focus: from the winger Ferran once said he was to the number 9 Guardiola began shaping at Manchester City, and the role PSG now gives him.