You have to sympathise with Chelsea striker Fernando Torres. The most expensive transfer in British football history, but he’s failed to scale the impressive heights that made him such a prominent threat for both Atletico Madrid and Liverpool.
Injuries and a lack of confidence have certainly hindered the Spaniard, who currently has seven goals to his name in 19 appearances for the Blues this season. Nevertheless, for a player charged with leading the line for the West London side, the record is pitiful, especially with the quality of personnel behind him.
Manager Roberto Di Matteo has now come out and hinted that he could drop Torres for the upcoming encounter with Juventus in the Champions League. The 28-year-old has netted just once in his last seven encounters and looked lost during Chelsea’s recent 2-1 defeat to West Bromwich Albion.
With the Blues needing to win in Turin as they look to secure safe passage to the knockout stages of the competition, dropping Torres may not do him the world of good, confidence wide, but for the good of the team it’s the right thing to do.
Looking a shadow of his former self, you can’t help but think the Blues will move for another striker in January, with Radamel Falcao and Edinson Cavani both linked with a move to Stamford Bridge. It’s a shame for Torres, but his inability to really lead the front-line much like Didier Drogba did has proven to be his ultimate downfall and it’s certainly time for Chelsea to cut their losses and move on from the expensive failure.