Fernando Torres returned in typical goal-scoring form for Spain on Tuesday night, coming off the bench to grab the fifth goal as the World Cup favourites cruised to a 6-0 victory over Poland. Torres’ timely return to action will further bolster an already world-class front line, which also boasts David Villa, David Silva and Andres Iniesta.
With the number of star players ruled out of the tournament due to injury, it is a boost for the watching world that a player of Torres’ quality will be fit to play his part in the biggest tournament in football. It is all about seeing the best teams with the best players, and the Liverpool striker certainly falls into that category.
But whilst Torres’ participation will no doubt aid Spain, it could prove a hindrance to his club. His Anfield career has been blighted by injuries, and he has not had a full summer off for three years. Furthermore, with a potential exit being rumoured by the media, a good showing in South Africa is only likely to increase the speculation.
I am in no way suggesting that I don’t want Torres to play in the tournament. As I mentioned, everyone wants to see the best players. He is an exceptional talent, and key to the Spanish side, which is simply a joy to watch at the moment. But this will be his third successive summer of international football, and it comes after another injury-hit season for the Spaniard.
Torres’ fatigue became increasingly visible towards the end of the campaign before his season was prematurely ended after knee surgery in April. There were questions that he had put country before club, so that he may be fit for the World Cup, and it wasn’t the first time his international involvement had been scrutinised. In 2008, Rafa Benitez questioned the Spanish training regime, after Torres picked up his fifth hamstring injury in 16 months.
The last time Torres had a proper summer break was the season he joined Liverpool, and he went on to score an incredible 33 goals in 46 games. Spain will be delighted that he is back and fit, but whether it will be the same story for Liverpool come the new season remains to be seen.
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