How To Get Fernando Torres Back In Form

Fernando Torres Liverpool 2010/11 Birmingham City V Liverpool (0-0) 12/09/10 The Premier League Photo Robin Parker Fotosports International Photo via Newscom
Roy Hodgson finally saw his Liverpool side climb out of the bottom three with a hard-fought win at Bolton. It certainly wasnt easy for the Hodgsons men as the hosts frustrated Liverpool for long periods only to be undone by some Fernando Torres magic late on.

Torres delightful flick in to the path of an on-running Maxi Rodriguez demonstrated that while he is still lacking in form he can still be a match winner for Hodgson. In fact you could argue that with his assist today, coupled with a winning goal against Blackburn last week, the Spaniard has already earned Liverpool six points.

However the former Atletico Madrid man is still a million miles away from his best. Had it not been for his piece of individual brilliance, then mass criticism of Torres would have been the reaction from most pundits.

So often at the Reebok Stadium, the 27-year-old would miss place a pass or see his touch let him down. This is the reason why he is not getting anywhere near the number of goals that you would expect from a striker of his ability.

Im reluctant to say the Fernando Torres of old would have scored today because its not as if Torres is a different player. His flick today was a timely reminder of the immense talent that he possesses.

In time, I think Torres will play himself in to form because his confidence will slowly grow. But I think Hodgson can help him by changing his tactics to ensure Torres gets the best service possible. Torres looked isolated at times in the first half against Bolton, and with his confidence low, a second striker to support him and ease the pressure on him to sc! ore goal s could really help the striker return to his best sooner.

Hodgson did just that at Bolton with the introduction of David NGog as a second half substitute and Torres performance did improve as a result. In the long term I doubt whether NGog has the capabilities to provide a suitable foil for Torres, but with Dirk Kuyts return from injury expected in next weeks clash with Chelsea, Hodgson does have options.

The Chelsea game next week could be the ideal stage for El Nino to return to form. The striker has previously thrived for Liverpool on the big stage, and there arent many bigger games for Liverpool this season. But you have to feel for Torres to shine he really needs the support of his team-mates and his manager now.

Hodgson would be a fool not to give him this support, because if he can get Torres firing on all cylinders, then Torres will fire Liverpool up the table.

Related posts:

  • Torres: How Does Roy Solve A Problem Like Fernando?
  • Fan Diary 30 August 2010: The Return Of Fernando Torres
  • Fan Diary #31 Fernando Torres, Liverpools Number Nine (Bounce!)



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