Chelsea must drop Fernando Torres when they visit Old Trafford on Sunday – and even consider sending him on loan. Chelsea’s problem striker is proving a distraction the club can do without ahead of their visit to Manchester United this weekend, and the problems all stem from his time at Liverpool.
In January when Roman Abramovich splashed out £76 million on two players, few would have predicted the £26 million defender would outscore the £50 million striker. Nine months on, David Luiz has three goals in 13 appearances, compared to Fernando Torres’ one in 26.
New manager Andre Villas-Boas has spent money over the summer on signings to try and improve the service to Torres, and midfielders Juan Mata and Raul Meireles will surely help.
However, with Manchester United and Manchester City making such blistering starts to the season, Chelsea cannot afford to be left behind, and the club cannot wait on Torres forever.
It is plain to see that the Spanish striker is desperately bereft of form and confidence, and a hinderance to the team. And, it is not unreasonable to suggest that last season the acquisition of Torres killed off Chelsea’s run at retaining their Premier League title.
After a terrible winter period, in January the club were regaining form, registering a run of comprehensive away victories. Along came Torres, and the rhythm of the team became disjointed, they lost at home to an extra motivated Liverpool in Torres’ first game, and his solitary goal came away to West Ham United several months later.
New manager Villas-Boas has the same problem his predecessor Ancelotti did, not knowing his best strikeforce.
Chelsea have a wealth of striking options. Daniel Sturridge is bursting through the ranks and similar to Danny Welbeck at United, his form is demanding a place in the side. Didier Drogba has gone from consistent golden boot chaser, to being a complete enigma, if there is one player suffering the most from Torres’ arrival it is him, and the duo have failed to gel when played together.
The club also have Nicolas Anelka, Romelu Lukaku, and Solomon Kalou vying for action, and there is no justification for keeping a goalless striker in the side.
His place in Spain’s squad is under pressure, and if this continues he will be unlikely to make Euro 2012.
Torres’ problems began when Rafa Benitez sold Robbie Keane. In the midst of Liverpool’s 2008-09 title run, Torres was flogged by Benitez, played when he should not have been, despite a number of muscle strains.
As a player reliant on pace, he needed rest and looking after properly, this has not happened. One only has to look at Michael Owen to see a striker who has lost his blistering pace and acceleration. Liverpool pulled a masterstroke in getting £50 million for the forward.
The best thing Chelsea could do now, is drop Torres. He was ineffective in four league and Champions League ties against Manchester United last season, and it is time to use his other striking options. Yes, he provided two assists against Leverkusen last night, but he has shown deceptive signs of improvement before, only for his progress to go backwards.
Chelsea should consider sending him out on loan abroad in Janaury if there is no improvement.
Away from the spotlight of the English game, he can recapture his form and confidence. It needs to happen, because if not, he will only drag Chelsea and his teammates into the downwards spiral he finds himself drowning in.
Image: © Crystian Cruz
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