A look at the inconsistencies between the assurance given by Chelsea to Fernando Torres and their pursuit of attacking talent.
In the marquee summer signing of Eden Hazard and the earlier additions of Marko Marin and Kevin de Bruyne, Chelsea have signalled their intent in overhauling their squad to double effect: the signings reduce the average age of the squad and shift the team’s identity to a flowing passing style of football.
Once characterised by the resolve and physicality that had been instilled by Mourinho, the team’s style has manufactured much success and yet a resistance to changing philosophies has seen World Cup winner Scolari and ambitious Villas-Boas dismissed.
The new additions were sought after by the club in attempts to rejuvenate the flailing Fernando Torres. A study led by Technical Director Michael Emenalo found that the number 9 had scored a majority of his goals at Liverpool on the counterattack where he would find space in channels to penetrate the opposition defence.
With that, dynamism and pace would be the key complements to aid Torres who himself admitted in an interview with Guillem Balague after the Champions League victory that he had at times felt lost in a Chelsea shirt.
Torres duly received assurances from the club’s board of his position within the club, an assurance that was readily given after Didier Drogba announced he was to leave Chelsea.
Yet the summer has seen Chelsea linked with various strikers. Several outlets reported the pursuit of Hulk as close to completion although that rumour has now appeared to have simmered. Fiorentina’s Stevan Jovetic has been touted as perhaps a cheaper alternative to Chelsea in their search for a forward.
An explanation for these rumours could be that they would play in one of the other attacking formations in a Di Matteo favoured 4-2-3-1 formation. Hulk and Jovetic have both played similar wing roles for their current clubs.
But today the Daily Express reported that only excessive wage demands were obstructing Edinson Cavani’s move to Chelsea. Cavani, unlike the other forwards, is a front man who would take up the same position as Torres and having scored 33 goals in 47 appearances for Napoli last season, currently poses a stronger threat.
If we were to believe these rumours, would this be Chelsea’s reluctance to gamble on Torres’ inconsistent form? With only Lukaku and Sturridge, who have both been linked with moves away from Stamford Bridge, Chelsea do not boast an abundance of forward talent but their pursuit of world-class, multi-million pound talent does not on the surface hold up to their assurances given to Torres.
Beyond mere rumours, is Chelsea’s alleged transfer activity reflective of their inclination to replace, rather than to complement, Torres ?
images: © Wshjackson, © Wshjackson, © Ben Sutherland
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