Fernando Torres only had one goal to his name in 25 Premier League appearances before his late winner for Chelsea against Manchester City on Sunday. His detractors merely quote the updated stat of two in 26, but add his Champions League brace in Gelsenkirchen midweek and the Spanish striker has netted three in a week. Torres proved the difference for the Blues against both Schalke 04 and City, prompting suggestions that maybe, just maybe, his travails are over. Could Jose Mourinho be getting the best out of Torres when so many managers before him have failed to do so at Stamford Bridge? Is he coming into form at the opportune moment for club and country? Will a recall to the Spain squad from Vicente Del Bsoque ahead of the World Cup follow? Competition at Chelsea is cut-throat with Samuel Eto'o, Mourinho's faithful retainer from his hughely-successful spell at Inter Milan, and Demba Ba breathing down Torres's throat. There's also the exploits of loan star Romelu Lukaku at Everton to consider, which could shape his long-term future in West London. Torres is presently proving up to the challenge though. Are we seeing evidence of the old adage form is temporary, but class is permanent? We've been here before though. Is this another false dawn for the centre forward who has largely struggled since a £50 million move from Liverpool? We look at three reasons why we think Torres is back to his best.
Jamie Clark is a qualified Web Journalist after undergoing professional training at the University of Sheffield. A prolific and accredited sports writer, he also enjoys classic comedy, historic fiction, 80s music and heritage.
