A much more likely explanation comes in the style of football Liverpool have been playing. Although Fernando has certainly missed some chances this season, most notably against Spurs when he could have sealed the game for the Reds in the first half, the lack of clear cut chances Liverpool have created this season has been notable. Roy Hodgson’s team have had a lot of possession in matches but have lacked a cutting edge, and in the most recent defeats against Wolves and Blackburn Rovers, the high pressing game from the opposition has left the Reds resorting to hoofing the ball up field, a style of play Torres does not like and is not accustomed to. There is no doubt in my mind that Roy’s tactics have contributed to the lack of form of Liverpool’s star striker.
This rationalisation of Fernando’s form doesn’t fully satisfy me though. Fernando on many occasions this season has looked heavy legged, and his first touch and hold up play have been appalling in some matches this campaign. This sort of uncharacteristic behaviour has been attributed to poor form, but for me this is more down to either mental or physical tiredness. Although he hasn’t played in the Europa League this season, his energy levels look significantly lower than players who have played seven or eight more games than him this year. His pace and ability to chase down defenders look remarkably lower than in previous years, and I believe the injuries he sustained before and after the World Cup could be still affecting him. Especially after not having a sustained break after nearly 3 and half years of constant football, it does suggest that some time out is needed.
Wayne Rooney look somewhat revitalised after taking a mid-season holiday and improving his fitness at a training camp in the US. In our situation though I doubt this will happen as Torres as is too invaluable to the team to be allowed to have a break.
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This week it is former Liverpool WAG Gisela Molinero!
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yeh, get him a decent partner and feed them regular service WITH AN ATTACK MINDED MANAGER, SIMPLE AS THAT.
Simple!
Stop playing crappy tactics that the worst managers can set up against, get rid of the LMA manager of the year (Hodgson) in charge and his useless antiquated 4-4-2. Play Gerrard (where he can’t do any harm if he goes walkabout) in the hole behind Torres in a 4-2-3-1with the team pushing high up the field.
Then you will see a difference in Torres.
Of course there’s a solution – get more players forwards ahead of the ball, get some width in the team to stretch the opposition defence across the pitch and create more one on one situations.
Aside from that – drop players when they’re under-performing and make them fight for their place! Of course the regulars are going to become complacent knowing that they will play every game regardless of how poorly they perform, while the fringe players will inevitably become lazy seeing as whatever they do will make no difference in getting them rewarded with more starts
exactly…width ,space trickery,dangerous crosses, will strech and disorganise defence to a great extend…torres seems to so jamd up and congested that he hardly can touch the ball…
1. Torres obviously doesn’t like playing under Woy. The clown cannot motivate the players and tactics he uses do not suit Torres and the rest of the team. His tactics are too negative and just gets the defenders to hoof the ball up to Torres, in the hope he can create something.
2. Ngog is not the player to play with Torres up front. Gerrard should be playing just behind Torres, where they scored 50+ goals a season in 07/08. Even if Gerrard is played in midfield, we have better players who can play play alongside Torres like Jovanovic, Cole, Kuyt and Babel.
spot on