Xavi: I have absolute confidence that Torres will make a difference

Xavi has stated that he has "absolute confidence" in Ferran Torres. 

Torres, a Spain international, was bought by Barcelona in December for €55 million from Manchester City. 

After suffering a cracked metatarsal while on international duty in October, the 21-year-old made just four

games for Cityzens in the first half of the season, scoring twice. 

Torres has yet to strike in three

appearances for Barcelona, though he did strike from the spot in the

on Thursday to save a 1-1 stalemate at home against Napoli.

However, that was the only one of the forward's nine tries to hit the mark, as he squandered a slew of clear chances and appeared to be on the verge of tears at the final whistle, having contributed 1.47 of Barcelona's 2.03 predicted goals. 

Torres has produced twice in six games in all competitions thus far, with both scores coming from his efforts on goal. With his other 15 tries, he has failed to worry the goalie. 

Xavi, on the other hand, stated after Thursday's game that he was certain Torres will regain his form soon, and the Barca legend reiterated his position ahead of Sunday's LaLiga match against Valencia.

"We talked," Xavi told a news conference when asked about Torres. "There is absolute confidence in him. He is great and will be even greater.

"It is not blind confidence in him. He will make a difference. I have no doubts."

Torres has been catapulted into Barcelona's starting XI following

Memphis Depay

's absence ever since the Supercopa de Espana loss to Real Madrid on January 12. 

However, the Netherlands attacker, who has eight goals this season, is close to returning from a hamstring injury. 

"We are waiting for him. He is almost ready," Xavi said of Depay. 

"This week is the definitive one. He is a player who scores goals, [can play] a last pass. He will help us a lot."

Ousmane Dembel

e is yet another choice for Xavi to explore in the attacking third. The Catalans tried to sell the Frenchman in January, he will probably depart at the end of the season. 

Dembele also played as a substitute in Barcelona's previous two games, and Xavi has reaffirmed that he will start on Sunday.

"He could be a starter, or on Thursday [in the second leg against Napoli]," Xavi added. "When he has played, he has been involved. He is one more.

"

Barcelona has gone undefeated in their previous eight LaLiga matches (W4 D4), scoring in each of those games (15 goals on aggregate), giving them the league's longest undefeated and scoring streaks this season.

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