It was never likely that we would see him back to his former free-scoring self at the drop of a hat, but since the new manager has come in, Fernando looks like he has sensed a new beginning. He would have been fully aware of the jokes and chants made by opposition fans and the criticism over his lack of goals. But as this poor form has dragged on for such an extended period of time, its almost as though he had been put on the back-burner recently, like people no-longer expected any sort of performance out of him. When Di Matteo took over and there was a big focus on the power and management at Chelsea, it felt as though Torres was a dark horse to be the one to kick-start Chelsea back to winning ways.
Although you wouldn’t say he’s played out of his skin recently, signs are there that El Nino is growing in confidence and is in the mood for goals once again. A few months ago, his general demeanour was run-down and sheepish, with someone coming up with a rather unflattering but surprisingly accurate comparison to a ‘sad ghost’. But as he demonstrated on the weekend against Villa, Torres’ attitude seems to have changed for the better. His goal showed ambition as he received the ball, took a few strides, then instinctively looked up to take that little glance at the goal he only used to do back in his early days at Liverpool, before beating the keeper. He sniffed the chance at a goal and took it without hesitation. As opposed to looking for another option, he realised he was the final outlet before the goal. Even before this match, he has proven to be a more creative influence, occupying channels at appropriate times and putting in a shift for the team.
Now is a crucial time for Fernando Torres. I know it has been easy to say that a lot over the past year or so due to the fact that people have always been speculating on return to form and a possible backlash if he doesn’t score soon. But Chelsea need a big push for the end of the season to try and rescue something either from a cup competition or a Champions League spot for next time round. On a club level, it is clear that they need someone to lead the line and score some goals. Drogba can help out, but ideally they want two front-men firing, and with games often being played using a system incorporating only one out-and-out striker, they can’t rely on one to play 90 minutes of every game. They have the support in players like Sturridge, Mata and Lampard, but Di Matteo’s side undoubtedly need the potency of a clinical striker to offer them an option for the final ball, and a finish to round it off.
On a personal level, Torres will be able to feel his chances at Chelsea diminishing if he doesn’t start to make valuable contributions when the chips are down. They have crucial games in the FA cup, Champions League and Premiership approaching and if he wants to be known as a stable and integrated member of the club then he has to prove his worth before the end of the season. Di Matteo will have a big role to play in Torres’ future because of team selections in these remaining games. Giving the Spaniard the nod and allowing him the opportunity to develop his form and improve his confidence further is the only way he can get himself into the club’s good books. If Torres fails to make the back-page headlines in the coming weeks, then you have to feel his days playing top-level football in England may be numbered.
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