Fernando Torres: just another Shevchenko?
Is it just me or do other people agree that Fernando Torres’ £50 million move to Chelsea is starting to look like a huge waste of money? The Spaniard has failed to find the net for Chelsea and one or two are beginning to draw parallels between his move and that of Andriy Shevchenko’s back in 2006. Unlike Torres, Shevchenko managed to score 9 goals in 48 Premier League appearances, but was that worth £30 million?
Every time I have watched Andriy… I mean Fernando Torres play for Chelsea it has been like watching a lacklustre, diving, sulking striker who doesn’t even seem interested in scoring a goal. Anyone who watched the Champions League tie between Chelsea and Manchester United will hopefully see what I mean.
As a striker, Torres should be creating several chances in front of goal. His only opportunity was a header against Van der Sar and, although well saved, he should have been looking to score on many more occasions. Even more inexplicable was Ancelotti’s decision to keep him on for 90 minutes. Although the manager will be keen to get Torres off the mark, a home leg against United, when Chelsea needed a goal, was definitely not the time to do it.
From a pundit’s perspective, Torres’ problems at Chelsea could be due to the striker’s unfamiliarity with having a partner up front. This set-up was also used by Spain in the World Cup, and needless to say, Torres’ performances in South Africa were not much better than they are now. Another factor is Torres’ long standing injury complaints which hindered his build up to the season. Whatever the reason, something is clearly bugging the striker.
Whilst writing this article I am beginning to wonder whether Shevchenko is the most apt comparison. Yes, both were big money moves, but Torres has had Premier League experience with Liverpool and was a lot younger than Shevchenko when he made the switch. The comparison that now springs to mind is the Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov’s move from Tottenham to Man United.
Initially he was off the pace for United, having impressed at London based Tottenham scoring, 45 times. Once at Manchester, Berbatov could only manager 9 goals in 31 league appearances, with the following season only yielding 12 goals in the League, with the striker failing to score in any other competition. The striker has hit some form this season scoring 20 goals in 26 Premier League games, and time will only tell if Torres will do the same at Chelsea .
Now 27, Torres should be at the peak of his profession, but is now sadly stuck in a rut. His injury blows, which possibly added to his poor World Cup performance, have not provided him any favours. Even at the beginning of the season, it was clear something was not right and it is not surprising that Torres has been unable to turn his fortunes around at Stamford Bridge. The pressure on him is increasing and this will make it harder for Torres. An eventual goal could trigger a return in form and hopefully the performances we all enjoy to watch.
