Fernando Torres, where do I start? On one stage in his career he shook the world, taking centre stage as he earned the title of being the best striker in the planet. The Spaniard’s collective ability saw him, break through opponents defensive lines leaving managers stunned after witnessing pure magic!
Then the flip side to every coin, that horror miss at the theatre of dreams that produced a moment of devastation for Chelsea fans, and left the rest of our rivals amusing themselves at the bizarreness of what they just saw!
It’s no secret that Torres hasn’t lived up to his hefty £50M price tag, leaving fans frustrated at the lack of goals and the several opportunities which went begging.
However one thing which has been clear to see through his Chelsea career, is his drive. Not physically but mentally! It is clear to see that the team comes first in his mind. Every action is done with the benefit of the team. Doesn’t matter if he’s locked in a feud with a team-mate or unhappy with the manager for dropping him, his best intentions are always with the team.
Alternatively despite being a brilliant team-player, he hasn’t always performed to the best of his abilities. 35 goals in 131 appearances isn’t the best record is it? If you take into account that the very same player managed 81 goals in 142 games at Liverpool , it certainly makes it a bitter pill to swallow. The realisation kicks in, Fernando will never be the same again!
Don’t get me wrong I’m always ready and willing to support him through the good and the hard times, but there’s a time for everything. Is Fernando’s time to leave now?
For many fans it’s yes. They’ve had enough of a mis-firing striker who in their eyes can only score off the field. A man who has not lived up to his potential, and could not score if his life depended on it.
But for me that’s not Fernando, by golly it’s not! Fernando Torres is a hard-working determined individual who has made a name for himself thanks to passion and the determination to work hard. You only need to take a quick look at his stats from last to realise that Nando hasn’t boarded a sinking ship. If anything he’s escalating on a rise towards redemption!
23 goals is not bad at all for any player and it’s even better for Fernando! The 29-year-old has excelled on the European stage for club and for country! Just take a look at his achievements in the Europa League. The “mis-firing Spaniard” netted 9 goals in nearly as many games, with the most important of the bunch coming in Amsterdam where Fernando Torres iconically gave Chelsea the lead in the Europa League Final.
What does his future have in store? Personally I think that he deserves another season or two to prove his worth at Chelsea. I’m sure under the guidance of the Special One he can improve his all round game. This will give him the chance to re-ignite hope in the hearts of many who lost it. To prove that El Niño isn’t just a £50M pound flop, but a winner. Not just a winner in the spirit of the team but a winner as an individual. A player who sends wave of panic down the spines of defences, a player who can change the game in a blink of an eye. A player that we all once knew.. the old Fernando!
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