6 dribbles: Fernando Torres did more than in his last four games combined

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Chelsea ace Fernando Torres was desperate to impress against Atletico Madrid.

Chelsea striker Fernando Torres returned to the Vicente Calderon last night and was determined to put on a show for his old supporters.

The problem for him was against Atletico Madrid, that he was starved of service. Torres managed just one shot, and that was from an opportunity he created himself.

Former Chelsea assistant Ray Wilkins described him as running ‘like a lunatic’ in reference to his desire to try and make something happen, admitting he felt sorry for him in his fruitless attempts.

Torres completed six successful dribbles against Atletico, one of which led to his shot on goal; the nearest any other Chelsea player managed was two.

Yet even for Torres this was a serious step up. In reference to his previous four appearances for the club in Premier League competition – he has got nowhere near this, managing only four successful dribbling attempts in the last four games.

Below are the matches this season in which Fernando Torres has completed the most dribbles – nowhere near the six managed against Atletico.

Which partly goes to illustrate the extra effort the Spaniard put in against his former side, to impress, and save face perhaps, even with a view to a summer transfer.

Yet also goes to show just how unusual Chelsea’s approach was last night, that rather than waiting for chances to be created by the club’s array of attacking talent – Torres felt the need to go out and try to do it all himself, because there was just nothing else being offered.