Fernando Torres: A Stamford Bridge To Far

Lets face it, its common knowledge that Fernando Torres is not the player that he once was. He looks a shell of his former self and simply unrecognisable from the player that was outstanding for Athletico Madrid, Liverpool and Spain. Id be surprised if he even recognised himself from the player that showed possesion of raw talent and footballing ability at the Euros in 2004.

At Liverpool it is clear he was thriving and during his relatively short time at Anfield supplied many performances that ensured he will always remain in the memory amongst the Kopites.

However roll the clock forward to present times and it is staggering at how much he has declined as a player. I'm not saying he isn't good at football because it is clear he is really good at that. But in terms of impact on the pitch and how he makes the opposition defence feel, you could say he is an empty shirt. I remember when he went to Old Trafford and simply terrified Vidic who must of felt like he'd been given the run around for 90 minutes - he couldn't get near him. However look again to present times and when Fernando showed some familiar characteristics and danced past Uniteds defence, shimmied around DeGea only to completely shank it wide from a distance only describable as unforgivable - it is clear this was a player who has given up on himself.

But lets face it, if you know your current employer payed £50.Million.Pounds! for you and you knew you hadn't begun to even start paying that back you wouldn't be feeling too comfortable with yourself either.

I personally think that he needs to start again. I think its evident that he isn't going to recapture the form that Chelsea payed for in the near future. My conclusion is that he needs to start again, completely fresh and has to forge a new reputation instead of trying to live up to one that seems to have been banished to the past. He needs to make a name for himself all over again and i don't feel Chelsea is the place to do that. I hope I'm wrong and i hope that he does find himself again - and soon, because although it was funny at first its now almost uncomfortable to watch.

Good luck Fernando!