Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson said that within a month we will have Fernando Torres back to full fitness and ultimately back to his devastating best. Well this is music to the ears of every Liverpool supporter and a nightmare to opposing defences. However, judging by his last performance against Birmingham City, it was clear that he is still not match fit and although at times troubled an organized City defence, it is safe to say he had little impact whatsoever on the game, and it would have suited Roy Hodgson best to start Ryan Babel up front and then bring on Torres in the last twenty five minutes or so. I am sure, Babel, as it stands would have created more opportunities for himself and the team.
Certainly the thought of Torres starting would do wonders for the psychological state of the players, both for Liverpool F.C players and those of the opposing teams, for different reasons of course. For this reason, I think, Hodgson opted for him to start in the game against Birmingham City. It is my belief that it will in fact take more than a month to really get Torres firing on all cylinders and wreaking havoc on opposing defenses, in addition a fully fit Torres running at defenders coupled with some very good summer signings (Joe Cole, Raul Meireles, Paul Konchesky), would be a joy once Hodgson gets the right blend of players on the pitch.
During his first season at Liverpool F.C, after signing from Athletico Madrid, Torres scored 24 league goals and was simply unplayable. The very best defences had nightmares about the Liverpool number nine, such as, John Terry, Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand. After a torrid year or so which saw el Niño nursing countless injuries and a barren spell in front of goal for his country in the World Cup finals, I am sure he will be raring to put this phase behind him as soon as possible. Hopefully, he can stay injury free this coming campaign and Hodgson will finally get his tactics right. However, the absence of the injured Dirk Kuyt, out for a month will hit us hard with the game United coming up.
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