In recent games, he can be seen looking at the bench every time he makes a mistake and that is not a sign of a man likely to improve any time soon. Although the club are trying to incorporate a new, Spanish style of play under their latest coach, it appears that the boss is not a fan of the expensive front-man signed by Carlo Ancelotti and is tentative about trusting him but that is what is needed to bring the best out of the player.
At Liverpool he was main man, a guaranteed name on the team sheet and loved by everyone, a formula that produced goals whereas at Stamford Bridge there is a wider choice of quality forward and that has left him needing to turn on the style when required rather than building up his confidence.
The move was the biggest transfer deadline day deal for many years. It was inconceivable that he could be taken away from Anfield, especially to join a rival club. Although £50 million made the blow softer, the image of a fan burning the Spaniard’s no. 9 shirt will remain a sign of how the Kopites felt.
During his three and a half years there he bagged 81 goals in 142 games, including 33 goals in his first season to make him the most prolific debut season goalscorer in the league’s history. His strike from the left-hand side of the box againstSunderland, his continuous beating of Nemanja Vidic and the goals he scored against Chelsea had elevated him to hero status alongside past forwards such as Fowler, Owen and Rush so his decision to jump ship enraged fans. But it seems they will have the last laugh.
From the sale of the Spaniard (plus £8 million), the club were able to bring in Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll. While the £35 million man has failed to hit the form he showed at Newcastle, he has managed five goals in 20 games since the move, compared to Torres’ five in 31. But it is the Uruguayan who has really stolen the show. He has been in mercurial form, almost single-handedly dragging Liverpool up the table last season with some superb displays including his jinking run to set upDirk Kuyt in the 3-1 win over United and his sublime narrow angle finish against the Black Cats in the final weeks of the campaign.
Add to that Craig Bellamy, who looks like he never left Anfield, forming a formidable partnership with Suarez and showing a sharp mind yesterday to play in Maxi Rodriguez when many would have taken the shot themselves.
Those fans that stood outside Melwood burning Torres’ shirt and bemoaning the decision to sell him must now look back with a smile on their face while Chelsea fans will be wondering when the real Fernando will arrive.
You can comment below or follow me on Twitter @jrobbins1991 to talk football.
Written by Joshua Robbins for FootballFanCast.com
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