Panama vs Tunisia, World Cup 2018: Why one mistake too many could cost Roman Torres big move, scouting report

Torres played with pride as Tunisia bow out of the tournament but at 32, he has missed his chance to play in Europe

Described as a ‘national hero’ by local reporters, Roman Torres has proudly flown the Panamanian flag in the country’s first ever World Cup.

He made headlines before a ball was kicked by being listed as the heaviest player, weighing a massive 99kg, not that a lot of it is fat.

“I am a role model to many kids,” he said of his influence in Panama. “Kids want to be like me or other players on the national team. When I go out in the street, many people want to talk to me, want to take a photo and it’s very satisfying.”

Torres had a mixed game against Belgium in Panama’s first game. He looked uncomfortable at the start, but after easing his way into the game, he became much more composed on the ball and looked very confident when playing from the back.

Panama's Roman Torres gestures (REUTERS)

Against England none of the Panama side covered themselves in much glory, but their final game Group G match against Tunisia was a chance for Panama to go out with a bang.

It was no surprise that Panama’s second ever World Cup goal came as a result of Torres’ loitering in dangerous opposition areas. He had a shot blocked from inside the area then rolled the ball to Jose Luis Rodriguez whose deflected shot wrong-footed Aymen Mathlouthi, Tunisia’s third choice goalkeeper, and went in.

Just before half-time, Tunisia were through on goal but Wahbi Khazri was denied by a superb last ditch tackle from Torres. While his tackling technique was very good, his reliance on last-gasp defending is a little alarming.

Their lead always looked fragile and Ben Yousseff equalised for Tunisia when he was unmarked in the six yard box to tap in Wahbi Khazri’s low cross. He was unmarked was because Torres took it upon himself to charge away from the back line to win the ball back before it was played out wide, therefore leaving a vacant gap in the middle when the ball was crossed.

On the ball he was very inconsistent. At times he was the one to increase the tempo of the game by quickly releasing the ball from the back, but on other occasions the ball ended up in the stands.

A leg injury ended Torres’ game in the 60^th minute and his World Cup was prematurely over. He had represented his country with pride and brought joy to the pitch every time he and Panama played. He will return to Panama an even bigger role model than before and continue to inspire a generation of young players.

Tunisia's Wahbi Khazri, right, celebrates with teammates after scoring his side's second goal (AP)

Torres, 32, has played the best part of his career at Seattle Sounders but has previously attracted attention from several English clubs. “A good World Cup could help me win a move to Europe,” he said ahead of the tournament. “Blackpool and Swansea were after me in 2010.

“I had a trail with Nottingham Forest in early 2012. Only a disagreement over personal terms prevented a deal. We will see what the future holds for me.”

Torres might be a cheap and somewhat left-field option for a Championship club looking for a centre-back. The raw talent is there, as well as having the tight physical attributes – just look at him, but the lack of top class coaching is telling and it is obvious he is playing at a fraction of his potential.

A move to England will go one of two ways. He will either benefit from quality coaching and become an accomplished player, or, most likely, he will fall short of requirements, make one positional mistake too many and be forever remembered as that passionate Panamanian guy from the 2018 World Cup.