As Chelsea look increasingly likely to sign Columbian hot-shot Radamel Falcao, one must wonder, if Chelsea had got the Fernando Torres they were expecting when they splashed out 50million pound for his signature, would Chelsea be in the hunt? Would Roberto Mancini already of signed the player? Would Chelsea have lost the UEFA Super Cup?
Now, this article is taking nothing away from Falcao. The Columbian, is no doubt on par with the best strikers in the world right now, along with the likes of Robin van Persie, Karim Benzema, Robert Lewandowski etc. Falcao has a phenomenal scoring record wherever he has played. But, for one who watched and saw El Nino at his brutal best, the striker was remorseless.
Having been made captain of Atletico Madrid at just the age of 19, the Spaniard soon moved to Liverpool on a six year deal, and at the time being the clubs record transfer fee. ?20million and over 100 appearances later, Fernando was cementing his legacy as a Liverpool legend. Prior to his final season at Liverpool, Torres reached double figures in goals for the previous three seasons. With 24 in the league in his debut season. With 50 leage goals in just 84 appearances, Fernando was no doubt the number one striker in England at the time.
However, at Chelsea, it just hasn't work for the Spaniard. Now, were talking about a player who has achieved over 100 international caps for the greatest national side of all time. He is the only player to score in two UEFA Euro finals ? one being the winning goal. He won the Golden Boot in EURO 2012.
With the creative trio of Oscar, Hazard, and fellow Spaniard Juan Mata, along with the departure of Didier Drogba, all fans expected Fernando Torres' return to the breath taking form that saw him dominate Premier League sides for three consecutive seasons. Of course, as good as Oscar, Hazard and Mata are, the communication between Torres and Steven Gerrard was emphatic. Arguably in his best position in the prime of his career, Torres fed off the through balls in between the channel by Steven Gerrard, whilst using his pace, strength and power to battle with the Premier League colossal defenders.
Liverpool and Chelsea deployed a similar formation throughout Torres' reign at both clubs. When Rafael Benitez brought the 4-2-3-1 formation, clubs in the Premier League had no way to combat the formation. With players seemingly all over the park, the formation allows high pressing, dominate on possession, and quick counter attacking football, all something that a striker like Torres thrived off.
Almost two years into his Chelsea career, Fernando has scored 19 goals in all competition's. In comparison to his 24 goals in just the league in his debut season in England's top flight ? it is evident that Torres is struggling.
Leave me a comment below why you think Fernando Torres is still struggling for Chelsea.
Would they need Falcao if they had the true El Nino?
Source: DSG
Source: DSG