ESPN Soccernet - Correspondents - Chelsea- Torres and Luiz

Posted by David Kyle on 02/01/2011

Wow. It's easy to forget there is a match against Sunderland on Wednesday night what with all the excitement of the last four days.

The acquisition of Torres, a world class striker, and Luiz a highly rated centre-back have just flip reversed us from an ageing shrinking squad, to a versatile slightly younger one.

Torres burning desire to join Chelsea was met with indifference from the Liverpool unfaithful! ©Reuters Pictures

In my last entry I stated that I don't like to comment on transfer speculation, I commented on Luiz as at that time it seemed like a done deal.

I've done my talking on Luiz, in summary he adds a great extra dimension to our defence. Ivanovic can switch back to trusty right, and now we have cover in the form of Alex/Luiz at centre back when sees fit.

If there is a centre back issue of massive proportions then we still have Ivanovic to switch to the centre, and Bruma backing him up in a scenario of injury epidemic. Simple.

Now. On to the absolutely massive one. I have been holding myself back for the last 4 days, each and every day I have wanted to get my excitement down in writing. But I'm a football fan - I'm superstitious, there was no way I wanted the Torres signing to head down the same road as Robinho!

There is so much to say here. In my opinion, and not financially, we have just made the biggest signing in our 106 year history. Not in my lifetime, and not in anybody else's come to think of it, have we signed a player of such quality and held in such esteem.

Yes we've signed Crespo. And yes we had signed Shevchenko. Neither of these were in their peak, arguably Crespo was still an amazing signing and a great player - he just couldn't adapt to English life.

Sheva, a gentleman with flashes of quality and hideous English. He had seen better days.

What we have here is a player who has set the Premier League alight for three-and-a-half years, 102 games and 65 goals. Most of which seem to have come against Chelsea.

Twitter has been on fire the last few days, I should know I have spent all weekend stuck pressing refresh on twitter, updating other web pages, listening to the talk radio stations and having sports news channels on the TV. I have lived every second of this transfer.

What I saw on Twitter wasn't pretty, I had intended to aim this piece as an open letter to Liverpool fans, but at the end of the day the victory is ours no matter what. Fernando Torres is Liverpool's number 9.

With so much coverage, whether it's on the internet, or whether it's on the TV/radio has come so many questions, of which some I'd like to address.

1/ Is Torres worth £50m?

Firstly let us point out that Torres is one of the best strikers in the Premiership. Then let us remember that he is also one of the best in the world. He is 26 with his peak ahead of him. He is a Euro 2008 and World Cup 2010 medal holder. Straight away the answer is yes. Of course £50m is obscene money, but in context its standard. If you were to ask somebody whether Torres is worth £30m less than Cristiano Ronaldo realistically the answer will always be no. Is he worth £6m less than Kaka? No. Is he worth £15m more than Andy Carroll?

Lastly he is eligible for the Champions' League. I don't think you would find anybody else of his quality throughout the whole of the world that isn't cup tied.

2/ Why would he move to Chelsea?

This is the one that has been eating me up inside for the last few days. So many tweets from twits stating that Torres is heading for a club on the way down, Liverpool are on the way up thanks to King Kenny and Luis Suarez. This is simply ridiculous, the amount of vitriol and poison spilling from Liverpool fans lips is laughable. I never realised they would have so much left in them after so much upset over the years. Owen, Gerrard almost twice, Fowler and so on and so on.

Why do these great players who play for the shirt and bleed Liverpool red end up out of the exit? They are at a club who are constantly under achieving. A club, admittedly, with fantastic history. Something they like to remind us of as much as they can.

Simple. History is just that. We have history, we won the league in 1955. The 1970s will soon be that, a distant dream. We are about the present, we have just won a double. We are clinging on for the Premier League at this time, and we are still in the Champions' League.

It's as easy as that. Torres spent too many years at Atletico waiting and hoping for silverware, he wasn't going to rot at Liverpool whilst they make ambitious and absurd bids for players like Charlie Adam. Good bloke, good player. Champions League potential? Doubtful.

As it stands Liverpool will miss out on yet another year of Champions' League football, whilst Torres is in with a chance of winning it this year. He's done the sensible thing, taken a bye to the second round!

3/ Will we win the league now we have Torres and Luiz?

No. I don't think we will. I hope we still put up a fight, but our bad form has set us back far too much. Had Blackpool taken something from their game against Man United last week I wouldn't be as doubtful, in fact I'd be confident that we were in with a shout.

We have dropped back far too much, it's not impossible but if we want to do it we have to effectively go out there and win every game. Torres is going to bring us goals, and Luiz will bring us stability, but it’s too late in my opinion.

These signings were made for the future, any idiot can see we needed to refresh this squad. The refreshing thing in itself is that in the summer we really won't need to add too much to the team now, there will be changes but it won't be as wholesale as initially needed.

The release of so many players with only 2 coming in has had an obvious effect once we picked up injuries. These two coming in help us to maintain our fight and pounce if United drop off, and also Torres' eligibility for the Champions' League is a massive boon.

4/ What happens to Drogba now?

I wouldn't worry too much about that one, I would be shocked if Drogba was still here next season - just like Carvalho he will want one last rendezvous with Mourinho.

I think the thing to appreciate here is that for the next five months we have the ability to play an attack of Anelka, Drogba and Torres. A frontline any team would envy, perhaps even Barcelona!

On a last point, it’s great to see Abramovich is still interested. I never doubted, although many have. He just wanted to see us stand on our own two feet, unfortunately we stumbled slightly but the foundations are there for a self sufficient Chelsea.

Nobody should ever question or bemoan the owner, what he has brought us in our lifetime is what any football fan would wish for.

If you have managed to get this far. KTBFFH!

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Comments

Posted by steve louis on 02/01/2011

Far too much spin put on this article. Instead of comparing Torres to Ronaldo or Kaka, is he worth 15 million more than David Villa? And AC Milan only have to pay 20 million pounds for Ibrahimovic at the end of the year to keep him. 50 million pounds is absurd for Torres, a player with 1 less goal and 2 less assists than Andy Carroll in five more games.

Abromovich clearly only watched Torres when he was playing against Chelsea, his telly must have been off during the world cup.

Posted by David Kyle on 02/01/2011

Steve,

I'm sorry all justification in your argument was lost when you compared Torres' record this season to Carroll's. Don't be ridiculous, Carroll is good - not £35m good. If we were to go down that street - Carroll didn't play in the World Cup, he has played 20 games in the Premier League, never played in Europe and so on.

David Villa. Different circumstances, Valencia a club in need and obviously the player wanted a move to Barcelona more, understandably.

Ibrahimovic only £20m, have you forgotten he cost £56.5m and Eto'o to go to Barclelona. Far too much missing from your reply.

You can spin it in your direction as much as you like, simple that Torres is worth the money.

Bye!

Posted by David on 02/01/2011

I'm probably speaking for most of the liverpool fans here in saying that Torres has shown no respect for his former club and I dont think he has realised how much he was idolised and simply just said im at a top level club now which nearly made me want to smash the tv. Fernando Torres you should think before your actions and just remember YOU"LL ALWAYS WALK ALONE !

Posted by Edward on 02/01/2011

I don't knw wat is happoning chelsea my term i pray 2 God alnigthy 2 give dem straight 2 b wining their match....

Posted by Peter on 02/01/2011

Torres will be worth the 50m. Clinical, composed finishers -even those that struggle with fitness- are a rare commodity in England. Look at Bent - 24m for a man who is a fringe international. Torres is a proven international, a proven winner, and in 3 years we'll be saying 50m was a steal.

Posted by FlyingBlues on 02/01/2011

I think, LFC fans are not seeing the fact that torres showed great patience in waiting till the end of jan. He waited a significant amt of investment would come to fill in the holes left by the departures of Alonso.M'rano but the signing of only Suarez convinced that the club is heading nowhere with this one.. All the 3 points are greatly stated just a bit doubtful over drogba and his future.
Are you not worried seeing his current form. only one remarkable performance that too against us and
I am yet to be convinced on his fitness.. About Luiz, after listening to so much of praise on luiz by the media and esp CA want to see atleast glimpse of this guy on Sun..

lets hope for the best and hope that much Coveted UCL comes to London for the first time!!

Posted by steve louis on 02/01/2011

David,

That was the point, it can be spun both ways. Obviously Torres is worth more than Carroll, but 50 millions pounds is way too much. A couple years ago he would have been worth 30 million pounds, but considering man city's ways, 40 million seems correct to me at the moment.

Good justification by the way: "Torres is worth the money." Ah yes, can't debate the facts and logic of that.

And Ibrahimovic, wasn't 56.5 million pounds AND Eto'o, that was the valuation including Eto'os value, might want to check your facts before mosting mate.

And the circumstances really aren't too different between Valencia - Barcelona and Chelsea - Liverpool in both the players wanted the transfer, Valencia could have done with a bit more money.

I'll stop though, wasting my time arguing with a mate like you, and also this Chelsea chump who clearly could not have seen Charlie Adam play; he's a better passer than the entire Chelsea team.

Sincerely,
Red Devils Fan

Posted by Mike on 02/01/2011

great read david. You could really tell by torres body language that he despised being on the liverpool squad last year. He was promised a revival and a champions league place with liverpool this season and they are 10pts back from chelsea. yes footballers are supposed to be professional even if they dont want to be at the club, but you cant help feel left out of the best when you dont make the champions league. torres does not deserve to have his jersey burnt, besides, he was only there for 3 seasons. its not like he was a product of the club like say a john terry. Im really happy that roman has taken control of his team again. go blues!

Posted by Simon on 02/01/2011

I disagree about the blog's opinion of Charlie Adam. I know it's only been six months of EPL action for him but he has been absolutely brilliant, dictating games against top dogs like Man City as well as against the poorer teams. I would even go so far as to say he compares quite favorably with Xabi Alonso, who sold for 30 million pounds. I realize that might be a little bold, given again it's only been six months, but he is always fun to watch.

As for the Torres issue, there's is really no doubt Chelsea paid too much, especially considering his continuously niggling injuries. But who cares? I'm not paying any money, he is a top player who can help. My only concern is that if he was bought for this year's Champions League, is that he is too similar to Drogba. Almost makes more sense to consider him a replacement for Drogba.

Posted by ali on 02/02/2011

Yesterday match was amazing with Sunderland. Our team get more confidences. Our teams attacking power was good but in defence still need 'improvement' to avoid goal.
Lampard & Essien performance was so GOOD, but overall teams was fantastic.
I really glad that we can capture Torres, the good striker in EPL, but now CA need to adjust the combination of Drogba, Torres & Anelka. To make high impact of shoot to goal and bring GOAL.
I very excited to see this combination.
Abromovich, THANK YOU for bring the Torres & Luiz to Chelsea. Hopefully our dreams to won the UCL this year come true and we can see many new faces come to our club next year.
Keeping flying high CFC.

Posted by Patricia on 02/02/2011

Thanks for the positive article. I wish someone would write an open letter to the Liverpool fans, though, and help them get over their bitterness at their former hero.

Posted by Tom on 02/02/2011

Hi David,
I always enjoy your posts. If he stays fit, I think Torres is definitely worth the money. I'm interested though in how his arrival will change the formation of the team, and what that means for Malouda especially. If Torres takes Malouda's/ Kalou's spot in the 433, does Malouda drop back into the midfield? He combines very well with Ashley Cole on the left, but Malouda is more of a winger and if we keep the 433 we'll need the midfield to be more compact. Another option would be to go back to the midfield diamond we were playing for a while at the beginning of last season. Anelka played very well in a deeper role today, which makes me think he might fit very well at the tip of the diamond supplying Torres and Drogba up front. Then Malouda could play wider on the left, Lampard could play on the right, and Essien could cover the defense. With Luiz partnering Terry, and Cole and Ivanovic on their respective sides that looks like a pretty formidable team to me. What do you think?

Posted by nima_sherpa on 02/02/2011

thats good torres join chelse
last time torres score from liverpool
but this time he will score from chelsea

Posted by adi on 02/02/2011

Good points on Torres, finally i've been dreaming about this since last year the teaming up of drogba and torres, i think he could possibly score more goals than when he was in liverpool.

Though liverpool have some great players but it always felt that torres had to do a lot of things on his own. But with Chelsea he will have ample of support, imagine all the balls coming from every angle and he can just pounce, boy that just sounds awesome, lets just hope he can go all the way!

Although i don't quite agree on the 50mil, but like you said he has achieved so much in just 3 years plus have many more ahead of him and also he is still eligible for champions league. Cheerios!

Posted by fayah on 02/02/2011

well come for open hands

Posted by yezen on 02/02/2011

Nice article David. I don't agree with you however on Drogba leaving. I think for the next five months or so he could perhaps work with Torres to try establish a decent partnership. The fact that the two have completely different styles of attacking could mean success. And plus, Drogba is too settled in London to move now.

Posted by Aravind on 02/02/2011

Agree totally with David. Nice article btw..

Posted by ashif on 02/02/2011

I like Torres, but for 50 million? No, I don't.

If Abramovich had to buy Torres, why dint he try before the season? And I did not like his policy to scrap younger players, specially sending van aanholt, kakuta, sturidge for loan. And also not giving Bruma & Kakuta more time on the field. May be Anchelotti dint have much trust on them (exception josh and sturridge), I guess.

You have chosen a policy, but why don't you try that for the whole season. Luiz & Torres could come next year. Look at Arsenal, they kept faith in their youngs. Today Arsenal are not in any sort of crisis even when cesc and vermaelen are out for sometime.

It will be interesting, how a French speaking attack gets combined with a Spanish newcomer. It's a challenge for an Italian, no doubt. It could cost him his job, same fate a Portuguese had to accept for a Ukrainian. :)

Posted by Sam on 02/02/2011

Great to see Steve Louis, an admitted Man U fan getting so wound up about this transfer. Seems that Man U fans across the globe are getting worried as the teams around them strengthen whilst they stand still. Wonder how long it will be before they are looking up at Liverpool! I believe Zlatan sold from Inter to Barca for 40mil pounds plus Eto'o who was prob priced at around 20mil pounds. I would double that valuation for Eto'o after seeing what he has given to Inter though!
Good work by Chelsea, Torres is worth every penny as is Luiz. Carroll for Liverpool though. Seems a hefty price for an unproven youngster but I guess United spent heaps on Rooney for his potential. Only time will tell if it was a genius buy or one of the worst decisions in football history!

Posted by Niyam on 02/02/2011

DROGBA LEAVING??? He is probably half the reason the club is in its present position in both directions. His early season led us to believe it was going a cakewalk for the title, his midseason malaria led us to believe its a struggle for a champions league spot and his return may have revived Chelsea's goal fountain. Him leaving?????? Astronomical sum or I am ready to believe he has a better chance of retiring than leaving Chelsea

Posted by bergkamp on 02/02/2011

if he can beat arsenal's side that beat everton(which cost just £40 million to assemble) by himself, then he is really worth 50m. obviously ,he cant , so he is not worth 50m.

Posted by StarGazza on 02/02/2011

Well Liverpool will have to thank Chelsea for the substantial and ridiculous amount of money they paid for Torres...we are enjoying every bit of it....

Posted by lukien on 02/02/2011

I agree with Tom.
Cech - Ivanovic - Terry - Luiz - Cole - Malouda - Essien - Lampard - Anelka - Drogba - Torres
THE DREAM TEAM !!!
We have at least 9 proven top scorers in that line-up (Is Luiz good at scoring?)
Last year we won 7-0 & 8-0 ... with that line-up a mouth-watering 10-0 is possible ... no???
Look out Man U, Chelsea will do the double again this year, so don't lose hope yet ... Chelsea still can win the League, trust CA ... he did say Chelsea needed to win 14 of the last 16 games to win the league a few weeks back, so far we had won 3 games on trot (Last year CA correctly predicted the winner of the league would accumulate 86 points).
Last year we did the double, this year we are going to do the treble, with the final of Champions League in Wembley, it's written in the sky already.

Posted by super kaka' on 02/02/2011

torres is worth more than the 50 although i believe chelsea will still not win the league

Posted by Ben on 02/02/2011

Being a Liverpool fan, of course I was disappointed to see Torres go, especially to Chelsea. I can admit though, albeit begrudgingly, that Chelsea simply have more to offer a man who wishes to further his career. I can't say I wouldn't make the same choice if I were in his shoes. I do wonder, however, how Chelsea meet the Financial Fair Play regulations after all of this. It seems it might be difficult to balance the books after posting nearly an £80mil loss and then spending over £70mil on new players. Anyone care to enlighten me?

Posted by faniyi babatunde on 02/02/2011

A brilliant purchase from the blues cos fernando torres is a world class striker.

Posted by dean on 02/02/2011

well well well

where do you start. the fact of the matter is that if chelsea didn't buy torres someone else would of(italy or spain) and liverpool fans, be prepared to burn another shirt to cause i have no doubt that reina will follow to. and buying suarez, omf, just makes me hate your club even more. liverpool = destined for relegation i really hope so. suarez and his 'hand of god'. what an absolute muppet to compare himself to the likes of maradona. i must to laugh at the fact that he has taken the number 7 shirt... big botts to fill.

Posted by YJ on 02/02/2011

I have a question,who will be sacrificed for Torres?Anelka?

Posted by Olatunbosun Michael Odedeyi on 02/02/2011

Thanks 2al blues fan 4 bringin d world clas player 2chelsea n wit dis we re back

Posted by Arjun Kumar on 02/02/2011

Dear Red Devils Fanm

Did one Mr. Berbatov look 30 mil till 6 months ago?

Posted by Tony on 02/02/2011

David
I agree with you - Torres is worth the money. I am a LFC fan and am disappointed with his departure. Know this, though: if and when CFC lose ground, he will drop you like a sack of potatoes, and his next team will be a top one in comparison.
Here's something for you to think about: What Chelsea is achieving today will be history very soon - in a decade, when the trophies dry up, you will be harkening back to the 2000s. So while I understand Chelsea's joy at winning things now, don't forget that "now" becomes "history" very quickly.
Chelsea fans laugh at others for living in the past - but you only do that because you are winning now. Just remember, "now" becomes "history" very quickly, and the present is much shorter than the past. We may gripe on about our history a little too much, but the reality is that our history is simply a lot of "nows" in the past, a lot more "nows" than Chelsea's. Teams with a great history understand that. Perhaps Chelsea will one day too. Not yet.

Posted by Roger Kiddle on 02/02/2011

Simon, mate knew you'd post here!!

Anyway, I am a Liverpool fan so sure I am biased. But I will take a page out of Chelsea's book and say that the past is the past, and the present is what matters.

Which brings me to my next point: Torres is not even close to 50 million pounds. I don't care if you say he is obviously better than Carroll. Because I am using straight fact, Carroll has more production in less games, not to mention he is much more of a constant mention. Sure he is no World Cup winner, no Euro winner, but that's in the past. Carroll is having the better season, pure and simple. I'm just looking at stats, a healthy change from the Chelsea fans looking into the past.

Lastly, a message to Torres: there have been many, many league winners in England, that is not what you get remembered for. You get remembered for sticking by your club and being a great servant. Heroes are celebrated, but legends never die. Mercenaries do, which is what Torres has become.

Posted by abrayangovich on 02/02/2011

Good signing chelsea, the players too deserve good pay so does the clubs. torres is pure class and Luiz will bring alot of stability and brazilian touch at the back. Man u , Arsenal & Liverpool funs will feel the heat. wenger should stop cryin coz we all season in season out his excuse will always be....my team is young..may be they need young...oh..sorry is it small trophies.

Posted by Yori Dy Dx on 02/02/2011

I love those 2 signings made by chelsea.
Man. Utd. Shld watch out.

Posted by jon on 02/02/2011

torres was right when he said chelseas a bigger club, liverpool has gone down from buying players like torres to players like carrol,

and wat i want to say is they have gotten themselves a very versatile player in luiz Suarez ( Striker/Goalkeeper)

Posted by surgical on 02/02/2011

It really doesn't matter what brilliant analysis or evaluation we may offer because, the game is simple, some will Win and some will Lose. Chelsea won the in the run for a world class player. Liverpool lost a great player in Torres, but hell! they got paid. About the worth of the Player? Only a simpleton would lay a blame on Chelsea, after-all, it was Liverpool that put the price tag on him. Chelsea only paid because they can afford it. So, Arse Winger should take a nose dive in a pool, and if one is not deep enough, he should do a split into two.

Posted by Acheampong-Kesse Yeboah on 02/02/2011

This week has been a joyous moments for all Chelsea fans having seen Torres and Luiz successfully completing their transfers to a great club.we hope it metamorphose into trophies especially champions league trophy which has eluded us for a long time now.

Posted by Nonoy on 02/02/2011

A lot of people seems concerned of Roman's money.

Posted by bright on 02/02/2011

i just believe the chelsea team even if we didnt win any trophy this season,we are good for the future

Posted by goonerluke on 02/02/2011

Good post mate, but I do disagree with this:

"On a last point, it’s great to see Abramovich is still interested. I never doubted, although many have. He just wanted to see us stand on our own two feet, unfortunately we stumbled slightly but the foundations are there for a self sufficient Chelsea."

How are the foundations there for a self-sustaining club? Luiz and Torres are "panic buys" as are 90% of January transfers. Chelsea lost 70 million pounds last year and have marginal academy talent that might yield 2-3 squad players over the next 2 seasons. All of your transfers seem to be at the absolute highest possible price and you never sell on players for a serious profit.... how is this a self sustaining model? The only reason you bought is because Roman feared missing out on the CL to Tottenham and the financial repercussions of that.

As a gooner I don't really have any jealousy with you buying titles, but claiming that you are actually close to self sustaining model is too rich.

Posted by David Kyle on 02/02/2011

Luke,

Thanks for your post, nice to hear some positive comments from a gooner.

I'm not stating that we are nearly self sufficient, that will take some time. I think the foundations have been put there so that one day these transfers will actually be bank rolled by the club themselves.

Chelsea were always going to be a difficult club to make self sufficient, we have always bought big in the transfer market. Even before Abramovich and have bought outside our means. Behind the scenes so much has gone on too that are merely foundations for the future.

People mainly see the money pumped into the big names but we have been given top quality training facilities and an academy worthy of providing some quality players for the future. All this takes time and would never be a quick fix, there may be a time when we dont need these cash injections, and its apparent that without them our squad was left to flounder slightly.

I'm pretty unbiased and wasn't stating that we're close, just starting

Posted by P Kraj on 02/02/2011

I'm a Liverpool fan so all I say is somewhat biased :P

1. Torres's loyalty: Don't be surprised if he suddenly decides to leave you one day. The reason I and most other Liverpool fans are angry at Torres is, to me, NOT because he went to Chelsea. It was because Torres repeatedly pledged his loyalty to Liverpool over the past few months, and because he only submitted the request 2-3 days before the end of the window.

2. Prices of Carroll and Torres: Is Torres worth 50 mil? On current form and motivation and given his fitness history, no. Is Carroll worth 35 mil? He is a great player with tons of potential, but unproven, so no. However, due to Torres's timing of the request, we had no choice but to overpay for a player or have N'gog left as our only true striker. He has potential, but we cannot expect to push for 5th and in Europe with only one striker.

(cont.)

Posted by P Kraj on 02/02/2011

3. Trophies: For this season, I really doubt Chelsea's credentials. They are all but out of the EPL running, out of the League Cup (like most teams), and the FA Cup is a lot of luck of the draw. While you have a good squad, the Champions League has Munich, Madrid, Inter, and Barcelona all ahead. Either Chelsea would have to focus all their strength on the CL and risk their EPL position, or forget the CL and consolidate on the league. Liverpool, in the meantime, are not in a better position, only able to with the Europa League at the moment. However, it's not like Torres is leaving for Barcelona or another team that will likely win 2-3 trophies, he is leaving to a team that will struggle to win anything but the FA Cup, and that depends on the draw.

Posted by Duwayne on 02/02/2011

Let's see, Chelsea are this 'top level club'. They have a small fan base, local and international. You don't get much commercial revenue compared to LFC, MAN U and Arsenal. Been running at a massive loss since since RA bought the club. Have a 40000 seater stadium with no room to expand. Anyway you look at it, your club is in a false state at the moment. Chelsea fans please realize, you are a nothing club, all you have is RA's money. Once the EUFA fair play rules kick in, you and man city will never make Europe again with the salaries and transfer fees you paying. Your club can't afford it. You better hope RA never pulls out of Chelsea. You wouldn't even be a worthy investment for any new owners in your current state. Please wake up! If you pinning your hopes on Torres, then good luck. He'll leave you once you can't make Europe because due to the Eufa Fair Play rules. Enjoy!!

Posted by Brad on 02/02/2011

No athlete is worth 50 million. But that's the world we live in today. It's noones fault. Just the way it is. Torres however is a fabulous striker. He's easily top 5 in the world. He works hard and oozes class. He deserves Champions League matches and he will get that right now at Chelsea FC. Liverpool FC will be fine and so will Torres. I'd like to see a Drogba/Torres front line. I'd rather see Malouda on a wing instead of Anelka up front.

Posted by doug on 02/03/2011

Having seen how superbly Anelka played in a withdrawn role against Sunderland, how about replacing Kalou with Torres in that starting lineup. If you then play Ruiz alongside Terry at the back you would seem to me to have a very useful team on the field against Liverpool. You'd also have a pretty impressive bench with Malouda, Ramires, MacEachran, Bosingwa et al sitting on it.

However, don't expect too much too soon. If ever a team is going to be motivated it's going to be Liverpool on Sunday. Fernando is going to be a target from the off.

Posted by Ryan on 02/03/2011

"we have the ability to play an attack of Anelka, Drogba and Torres. A frontline any team would envy, perhaps even Barcelona!"

Even if those three could work well together (which I don't see happening EVER) they're still miles behind Barca. Get real.

Posted by MUnangFC on 02/03/2011

Questions, debates, answer ~ All will go down to whom will be the champion 2010/2011 epl :)

"Once I'm finished at United I'll be heading for the hills and the sunset you know. I'll be taking a rest there's no doubt about that. I think the important thing for anyone who retires is to be active. I will be active, there's no question about that, take other interests up."

Posted by Jorge on 02/03/2011

The addition of Torres would be welcomed by any club in the world, but there is little doubt 50 million is a bit too much. A healthy Torres is as deadly as nearly any striker in the world, but healthy is the key word. Liverpool's medical staff is notoriously awful (ask Harry Kewell) so if Chelsea's can keep him fit he can give them a great goal return and some pace which they severely lack at the moment.

The 50 million is inflated, as LFC had no rush to sell him, and needed money to overpay a replacement (Carroll), but teams who have the money will be forced to spend it by those in need of it.

His being untied in CL is the real gift, as the EPL title seems to be out of reach barring a Man U injury epidemic. Should Chelsea find their form (which seems to be occurring), a Champions League title is not absurd, and with players such as Torres, Drogba, Lampard, Malouda, Anelka and even Essien and Ashley Cole pressing up, no team will feel safe with a lead.

Posted by MrO on 02/03/2011

Nice article Kyle, I'm starting to follow your post regularly.

As Chelsea fan, I was a bit doubt of what the real intention in Abramovich mind with a sudden splash of big amount of money just for Torres.With that 50 mil we can get 2 world class player from outside England (i.e Aguero/Sanchez).But than I realise, if Torres manage to stay healthy for a long time, he can do really well with Chelsea.And he's one of top world class striker and a proven goal scorer in EPL.That is the biggest reason in my mind. Yes we might get Aguero at a little bit lower than that, but while I believe Aguero can shine, he still need time to settle down.And with current Chelsea situation, we need a proven EPL goal scorer.

Posted by MrO on 02/03/2011

Drogba used to be a hero,but this season he seem disinterested,lazy and for many games,it's like Chelsea playing without a striker,Drogba always missing at front.Suddenly when we change tactic putting Drogba & Kalou at forward,we create so many chances.And most of it not from Drogba,but Kalou and Anelka.Torres might be a little bit out of form,but I can see Torres will fitting very well than Drogba.In every match,I always hope for Drogba to step up and score,be the blues hero again.But most of the time,his performance dissapointed me.

Well that just my opinion on our current both striker.Game against Liverpool will be a very big task for Chelsea and especially Torres.Liverpool will strike very hard and they will try to prove something to Torres.I hope Ancelotti will choose the right players for this weekend match.

Posted by Rowan on 02/03/2011

Interesting that people on both sides of the fence about the Torres transfer seem to forget a couple of key issues.

Liverpool's slump last season came down to two factors: selling Alonso, who is the best playmaker/organiser in the world bar none (look how Real Madrid lose when he is not in the team, and see Phil Ball's articles), and a horrific injury record.

The first factor was self-imposed, and would have shaken Torres' confidence in the club no end. When he arrived LFC had the best midfield in the world, bar maybe Barca: Alonso-Mascherano-Gerrard. When it broke up, Torres had good reason to be disappointed.

But the other factor had a lot to do with Torres' terrible run of injuries. His fitness record is a real problem, and will continue to be so for CFC. Sure, he's recently started recovering his form, but who knows when the knee and hamstring problems will resurface. They'd have to worry that they will end up with a lack of depth in cover when Drogba/Anelka get sold/too old.

Posted by chitima on 02/03/2011

Liverpool's valuation of Torres was 50m pounds, Chelsea offerd 50 million pounds and they got the player, Deal done!! Forget about other offers for less which Liverpool turned down. Suarez we all know his Mike Tyson act(bitting another palayer) and his famous hand of devil.

Posted by Carlton on 02/03/2011

Is this fact based or an emotional statement? Which foundation are u talking about? u seem to have lost all objectivity and u are nw believing your own lies. U definitely need help my man

Posted by Pat on 02/03/2011

Liverpool got 50 m for a player who has already seen his best days at 26 years of age. Think you cant be washed up that young. two words Michael Owen.Thank you Chelsea you gat our rubbish and we got 2 oof the best propects around. This whole blog is a joke written by aChelsea fan. YNWA

Posted by Hamed Mohamed on 02/03/2011

Why you so interested with money of Roman's just leave him alone he knows what is he doing and you have 2 know Chelsea fc is 1 of biggest club in Europe. So i'm very positive wit u a article' TORRES, DROGBA and ANELKA FANTASTICK or MMHHHHHH I DONT KNOW????

Posted by Ayaj on 02/03/2011

why all d yapping about torres?.How may classy strikers are availaible to play in the ucl?.name three consistent,proven goalscorers in the epl without torres, i dare you.name a striker in d epl dat performs in all d big matches......TORRES!!!!!!.a bit overpriced, agreed. but far less overpriced dan carroll was.40 million quid would have been accurate(but it was a panic buy, plus RA has long admired him)..carrol shldnt b worth more dan 18 mill.

Posted by seun Adeyemi on 02/03/2011

I am so happy seeing torres moving to chelsea and i think is a good development but considering the transfer fee on him,i really think that is far too much on him considering the fact that fernado torres is an injury prone player but having him in chelsea right now is the best thing to have happen to chelsea looking at where they are on the table.the duo of torres and luiz are going to bring alot of different and stability to the team,but i stil have my reservation about malouda,malouda is a great player which i strongly believe wil help,playing together with torres,that guy is not a bench player,then drogba should also not seen the arrival of torres as a threat but a plus to the entire team and to liverpool supporter,they should not see torres departure as being unpatriotic to the club,they should understand the fact that torres need to move on in his carrer,i know they hold him in high esteem ,all the same they stil have to respect his decision to move on in his career,wishin him the best iṣ what iṣ expected from anyone not telling him he wil walk alone.all in all it is a good thing that torres has joined the blues,with the likes of great player we have chelsea like our own mikel obi frọm naija,and other world class player am more than sure that torrẹṣ iṣ gọing to have ṣucceṣful outing in chelṣèa

Posted by jeffrey on 02/03/2011

for goodness sake i dont understand why wenger and liverpool fans are making so much noise.first Arsene wenger is just running his mouth,football is business and busines is money.if u have the money,why not invest to make profit( trophies).torres is worth the cash and he has proven that manytimes in the EPL.pls some should wenger to keep shut and mind his 5yr of no trophies.As for liverpool fans i can understand there pain.its not easy 2 lose such a prolific world striker,but the player wanted 2 leave 2 a better club,so take heart guys.BLUES 4LIFE

Posted by John Lyons on 02/03/2011

I am not a great fan of Torres and somehow I don't think he is good fit for Chelsea. I can't see what all the fuss is about Torres. He is not like the great players Chelsea have had.

I think he is extremely overrated. His did very little in the world cup and the 50m price tag is a joke. I hope he proves me wrong but at the moment I am not happy that we have got Torres, thank god that we only let Sturridge go on loan.

I wonder how long it will be before Torres decides he wants to leave Chelsea. Torres has already had his best days as a player at Liverpool and is on the decline. He will be a cut price bargain for some lucky team in a year or so.

Posted by sam on 02/03/2011

just reading all the comments above it seems like die hard fans for them teams i think an easy way to put it would be if you were liverpool man u chelsea or arsenal fan would u
A: buy torres for 50 million
B: buy carrol for 35 million
without thinking of spending the left over 15 million from the carol buy?

Posted by ME on 02/03/2011

Why is evrybody shouting about torres. Yeah he won d world cup- so did reina-but what was his contribution to d team. All his medals has been with the spanish teams and he probably didnt deserve any of those medals based on his own perfomances. What was torres' personal achievement? Torres is more noise than performance. Chelsea fans be not ecstatic.

Posted by Lucky D on 02/03/2011

I'm happy torres and luiz ve come to the bridge, but that doesn't bring the season to the blues, only if we can win the remaining matches without losing or drawing one. But good, atleast the attack wil be tight and the centre back strong.

Posted by Anthony on 02/03/2011

@ME....are you thick or just a MAN U fan. Torres scored they only goal in Spain's 1-0 win vs Germany in Euro 08. Pretty sure he contributed.

On another note, his inclusion gives Chelsea more depth in the attack. Being able to bring two of Anelka, Malouda and Kalou off the bench provides more options than before.

Also Torres hasn't played with a squad like this the past two years which, along with the injuries, could account for his dip in form. Now that it isn't just him and Steven Gerrard it will make him much harder to defend. Plus how will you deal with him and Drogba. You cannot send two defenders at both of them. Not with Lampard, Essien and Anelka/Malouda/Kalou. You will have to mark each with a single defender and I like the odds of Drogba and/or Torres against a lone defender.

Posted by okoye ifeanyi on 02/04/2011

why do people like talkin as if they dont no wats on board. 2day is a diffirent day 4rm yesterday our 2day has shown us greatness in football. people should stop conplaining about a world class player like torres and de 50m he worths it, remember caroll was bought for 35m, so its our purchase we love it wit this i no we are back and better. blues 4 life

Posted by Chelseafan on 02/04/2011

The transfer is not only meant for a Chelsea revival for this season. Although the league seems so far away, we still got the champions league.

Now, tell me how do you deal with strikers like anelka drogba and torres. Good finishers, strong in the air, run like hell.

Torres do worth the 50 million. Lets not only account what his skills bring to the team. Account his popularity, account how Torres-Chelsea merchandise can be sold with him coming in?

He is worth every penny and all of you bitter heart Liverpool fans should just concentrate on getting your butt back to the top 4. Caz your so-called amazing club history will 'WALK ALONE' if you fail!

Posted by Arthur on 02/04/2011

My main concern about Fernando is his recurring injury problems. Hamstrings are notorious!!
He is still youngish, but another favourite player of mine - Harry Kewell was dogged by injury around the same age. I just hope for Torres , and Chelsea's sake he can remain fully fit and enjoy a long and sucessful career.

Posted by lanre on 02/04/2011

Torres is a fantastic player but for hie injury woes. Wish him the best

Posted by kartik on 02/05/2011

Anyone - even Barcelona - would envy an 'Anelka Torres Drogba' frontline. It's brimming with potential and is definitely promising than ever. Yeah Drogba may not remain with Chelsea come next year, but for these months, months which may see us rise to glory or crumble to defeat, such a combination, with Luiz to strengthen the back is most welcome.
Thank You Mr. Abramovich.

Posted by Tony Griffiths on 02/05/2011

I hope we as fans are not so naive as to think that football in this day and age is anything more than a "business"??? Very big business.
The days of the one club player who grew up in the shadows of the floodlights of his local club are well and truly over.....My hat goes off to the Tony Adams',Gary Neville's,Steven Gerrard's etc but they are the exception not the rule.
There is not an ounce of romance or sentiment in a boardroom when a players use by date is imminent.....so why cant a player with an average career expectancy of 10yrs, choose whats best for him professionally and financially?
Just remembering the comments from Blackburn fans in the 90's when Shearer left for the Toon.... "thanks for nuthin"..... short memory? LOL
I'm just enjoying Chelsea's success as long as i can after watching them for over 40yrs.....And i dont give a toss who kisses the club badge.

Posted by carlo Ancelotti on 02/05/2011

Cech

Ivanovich - Terry - Luiz - Ashley Cole

Essien

Lampard - Malouda

Drogba. Anelka
Torres
Let's go Chelsea!!!!

Posted by Ben83 on 02/05/2011

obviously torres wants to win some trophies instead of wasting time at liverfools-rich in history future of misery. would u want droggy n nelka partnering u? or ngog n el zhar? come on...

Posted by Andrew on 02/06/2011

@Ben83

I'd take Suarez partnered alongside me with Miereles and Gerrard setting me up

moron

Posted by paul w on 02/06/2011

As a Liverpool fan of 40-odd years, I can only wish Torres the best of luck.
A great player for the club, but lately sorely unused at a poor-performing team.
To expect him to hang around in the hope that Liverpool will improve is absurd. He's still young, and has a future.
When children are staving, the money is obscene of course, but so much is obscene in the Premier League.
Including the disgusting outbursts from some idiotic Liverpool supporters.
Oh, and to inflame the Liverpool supporters reading this, I also think Man U are a great team. I'd prefer it was Liverpool at the top, but credit where credit is due.

Posted by dodo on 02/06/2011

Why is Torres now a mercenary? I don't recall Liverpool fans making the same accusation when he left his boyhood club for Liverpool? Then it was the patronizing attitude of a "oh, he's one of the best young strikers in the world and he really should be playing Champions League football with us." Well guess what, what comes around, goes around. He's one of the best strikers in the world, why should waste any more time with Liverpool when CL football beckons?

It was unfortunate that Liverpool had those two lousy owners and the club went down the drain. Why should Torres sacrifice his career for this unfortunate situation. Fans have their whole lives to demonstrate their loyalty. Torres can count on one hand the number of years he can be a top, top striker (probably take the thumb and pinkie too).

Posted by Socaialv on 02/06/2011

lol Torres who?

Posted by XabiAlonso on 02/06/2011

And we have learnt once again that 70million pounds don't win you a match. I really hope the smug chelsea fans and blog writers will accept it, and see how Liverpool plays like a team and will win the CL spot over Chelsea :) YNWA

Posted by simcare on 02/06/2011

I had my fear in Torres' debut in chelsea colour against liverpool becos of the pressure of playing against former club and d fact dat he wouldnt've form understanding with other members of the team.He supposed to come in during d 2nd half.

Posted by Steve Louis on 02/06/2011

David,

Ah ya mug!!!!

"simple that Torres is worth the money"

haha ya muppet how did that work out for you?

and yes, no doubt, he will need time to get used to the system. great, everybody does. but the simple fact is that on the ball, no matter where on the pitch, is that he was awful. formations have nothing to do with it, teammates have nothing to do with it. HE WAS AWFUL. i'm trying to think of a pass he completed today, but i'm coming up empty.

HA YOU NUMPTY!!!

Posted by FlyingBlues on 02/06/2011

After seeing Torres play today..do you think he is another shevchenko in the making? I am a blues FAN but would like to criticize them for todays display.. Really poor and simply pathetic!!!

Posted by Stephen on 02/07/2011

Nice perspective. Although some of it can be said to be obsolete because now, by the time I read this, Chelsea has just been drubbed by Liverpool and Torres can do nothing about it.

Does he worth 30m less than Ronaldo? I agree with you that he is not. But for me, he worth even less. You're comparing Torres with probably the second best attacking player in the world, with over 30 goals to his name so far this season, and at 26, still has his best years ahead, just like Torres. Torres today is probably worth 35m not more. Does he worth 15m more than Caroll? I think he is. But that means I would only pay 20m for Caroll instead of 35 that Liverpool paid.

As for Drogba - Anelka - Torres trio, they are good obviously. But to say that it would drive even a slight envy feeling to Barcelona is complete preposterous. No one would exchange Messi or Villa for any of those three. Heck, they might even face competition from Meireles - Suarez - Caroll or Rooney - Berbatov - Chicharito in EPL.

Posted by FlyingBlues on 02/07/2011

Something needs to be done man.. the diamond did not look convincing at all .. I think this is not a good time to give the diamond some time to settle. How does a 4-2-2-2 sound with 4 defenders seeing LUIZ today I certainly think He is an Excellent signing and could prove amazing along with Terry or Alex.. Brani on right and cole on left.. 2 CMs with Lampard/Ramires having more freedom to go fwd and either Essien/Mikel holding.. Two wingers in Anelka and Molouda with Zhirkov and benayoun providing cover and Torres & drogba up front with Drogba as a CF and Torres as a ST..
I also feel; that Lamps needs rest every time before CL ties and we need a good cover for him as we saw what happens to us wen Lamps is lackluster esp his injury period this year and match against Inter last season..
Go chelsea go Chelsea go, we fans want an UCL, FA and a a place in next UCL..

Also I was quite impressed with Luiz today.. He is an awesome talent..

Posted by Jeff on 02/07/2011

"We have history- we won the league in 1995."

Ahahahahahahahahaahahaha!

Did you write that with a straight face?

Posted by Chedale42 on 02/14/2011

what in the world is wrong with you people don't you'll have any common since. and the dude with the red eyes look like a DEMON!!!!!!!

Posted by Chedale42 on 02/14/2011

lukien,
No that is not a dream team it is good but defintley not a dream team!!!!!

Posted by ashar on 05/04/2011

i hope chelsea will win champions league this season...opsss its already May...maybe next time..haha..

Posted by charles on 05/06/2011

well as for me i don't care whatever interest anyone attached to Torres move to Chelsea. Torres is not getting younger anymore, just imagine a player like him at this stage of his career never won any sliver ware at club side....Let me ask if you were in Torres position you wouldn't you have done the same?. Liverpool fans are so selfish...to an extent that they rely on their past glories forgetting the fact that this new players that came in after theirs success needs to record their names on silverwares and that is the aim of any footballer. I think he made a right decision and he worths the money.

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