Torres love or hate?

[The Big Drog 1,110]

It's the strangest thing and I wont have a go at anyone for having it because up until recently I suffered from exactly the same thing. Since Torres joined I've desperately wanted to see him succeed, I've wanted him to play every minute possible in the hope that he might spark into life and I'll even admit that when Drogba or Anelka were on the teamsheet ahead of him I was actually disappointed and it did take some of the wind out of my sails, infact it was at the point where I didn;t appreciate Drogba or Anelka's contributions half as much as I usually would because I wanted to see Torres play, not Drogba or Anelka.

But I've gotten over that now. My Torres goggles are gone but clearly some people still have them firmly on. How anyone could claim that Torres was more threatening in 10 minutes than Drogba was is perplexing to say the least, even with the previously mentioned Torres goggles on. I would go as far as to say Drogba's performance against Leverkusen (which wouldn't even rank in his top 10 Chelsea performances) was better than any game that Torres has played in a Chelsea jersey. Should Drogba be the main striker? No. Should Drogba be the first choice striker of the ones currently available to us? Absolutely he should, his form has justified AVB's decision and he remains one of the finest all round centre forwards you will find. I would say rather than wishing to sell him in January, you be grateful that Didier has remained loyal to our club and that even when our 50 million pound striker continuously fails to reach the required standard, that Drogba is still able to step up to the plate and deliver.

Honestly with some people on here it's either the Torres goggles or some people just don't appreciate the unique big man centre forward work (combined with incredible technical ability) that Drogba offers.

[Thor 2,690]

New poster here; feels good to be among fellow Chelsea fans.

I feel sorry for Torres' current situation, and to add to that, all of our current strikers/forwards. It seems as though our current system does a terrible job of involving the front men outside of long balls and through balls on goal. Our forwards are hardly getting any time on the ball, and I believe it's the reason for the struggles both Torres, and even Drogba are having in putting the ball in the net.

Our two strikers this season have 3 goals among themselves. 2 for Torres and 1 for Drogba. Our captain who plays fullback has scored as many goals as them combined. Then we have our midfield and wingers who have all trumped our forward men as well. Ramires with 3, Mata with 2, Sturridge with 5, Lampard with 6, etc.

There is something fundamentally wrong in our build up and play. This shouldn't be happening, and in all honesty I don't think Dzeko, Van Persie or even Ronaldo would have many more goals playing forward for us in a system like it currently is.

I don't believe Torres is as out of form as some suggest. I did believe it last season when he didn't look like he could put it together, though this season when he does get the ball he does in fact look promising. Even in the Wolves game, he was slightly selfish, and understandably so, he wants to prove he should be in the starting squad and he figures its the way to get back in there. The point is, he looked great making runs and getting into good areas.

As long as we keep getting the ball to the forwards on a regular basis like we did last game, the goals will come for both Torres and Drogba. And remember he's only 27, he's got a lot of good years ahead of him.

[tmessy 139]

theres so many people who can say they hate torres because he doesnt score, but if i dont recall, our record when torres starts is alot better than another striker up front this season in retrospect...

drogba is still world class and a chelsea legend, but i KNOW im not the only one who jumps to the edge of my seat when he (torres) gets the ball in the box... he is out of "perfect" form but still exciting to watch...

and have you seen his passing lately??? another reason why he is the most complete foward on our team (aside from the "winger", danny)

make arguments about how a forward needs to score but he has been REALLY impressive in setting up goals... its just a matter of time now, hes doing so much better this season..

he just need confidence from AVB...

i still have loads of faith in him because the excitement hasnt left him...

go blues

[Sheva. 5,373]

My Torres goggles are gone

So you have Drogba goggles now?

How anyone could claim that Torres was more threatening in 10 minutes than Drogba was is perplexing to say the least, even with the previously mentioned Torres goggles on.

Drogba didn't have a single shot on target in the game. While Torres immediately he came on, the only thing on his mind was trying to score.

And his movement was good, just wish he'd been less selfish... he could have probably had an assist

I would go as far as to say Drogba's performance against Leverkusen (which wouldn't even rank in his top 10 Chelsea performances) was better than any game that Torres has played in a Chelsea jersey.

I have already replied to this on another thread, so not going to bother repeating myself lol.

[Madmax 9,219]

Drogba didn't have a single shot on target in the game.

Drogba exhibited great centre forward play though. Occupying their CBs, jockeying, holding up the play, turning the marker etc.

[Sheva. 5,373]

Drogba exhibited great centre forward play though. Occupying their CBs, jockeying, holding up the play, turning the marker etc.

He did, i thought he played well - his best game since last season for sure - but Torres did look more threatening/likely to score imo

[Blue Armour 4,436]

It's the strangest thing and I wont have a go at anyone for having it because up until recently I suffered from exactly the same thing. Since Torres joined I've desperately wanted to see him succeed, I've wanted him to play every minute possible in the hope that he might spark into life and I'll even admit that when Drogba or Anelka were on the teamsheet ahead of him I was actually disappointed and it did take some of the wind out of my sails, infact it was at the point where I didn;t appreciate Drogba or Anelka's contributions half as much as I usually would because I wanted to see Torres play, not Drogba or Anelka.

But I've gotten over that now. My Torres goggles are gone but clearly some people still have them firmly on. How anyone could claim that Torres was more threatening in 10 minutes than Drogba was is perplexing to say the least, even with the previously mentioned Torres goggles on. I would go as far as to say Drogba's performance against Leverkusen (which wouldn't even rank in his top 10 Chelsea performances) was better than any game that Torres has played in a Chelsea jersey. Should Drogba be the main striker? No. Should Drogba be the first choice striker of the ones currently available to us? Absolutely he should, his form has justified AVB's decision and he remains one of the finest all round centre forwards you will find. I would say rather than wishing to sell him in January, you be grateful that Didier has remained loyal to our club and that even when our 50 million pound striker continuously fails to reach the required standard, that Drogba is still able to step up to the plate and deliver.

Honestly with some people on here it's either the Torres goggles or some people just don't appreciate the unique big man centre forward work (combined with incredible technical ability) that Drogba offers.

Exactly what I've been trying to point out. Torres should fight for his position and prove that he can consistently do a better job than the one Didier is doing right now...Tossing him back into a regular starting role now will only upset the rhythm Didier seems to have regained and will be detrimental to the team..This scenario where one striker plays two games and the one plays the next two will not benefit either of them...

[Madmax 9,219]

Torres should fight for his position and prove that he can consistently do a better job than the one Didier is doing right now.

And fight how? During the 7 and 13 mins he is given?

[Kojo 4,676]

Tbh, never liked him, I didn't rate him like most others, I much prefared Dzeko and Suarez, before they came to the prem to be our new striker.

[Ollie 4,400]

Torres was actually looking somewhat back to his best until he was dropped. Was excellent against Man Utd, Valencia and Genk. Drogba has scored a couple but looked completely disinterested and Lazy.

Despite Torres' shit scoring record for us, he has looked good, just his goalscoring is the one thing he is judged on. He's missed many many golden opportunities but at least he's always there. They will turn into goals given the pitch minutes.

[Thor 2,690]

I know there are certain biases even within our fans, though I just don't see how Drogba has been better than Torres since the start of the season. Though as I said before, neither get the ball enough in this current system to be given the opportunity to show form.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Drogba exhibited great centre forward play though. Occupying their CBs, jockeying, holding up the play, turning the marker etc.

Even after 146 goals and eight seasons at the club his brilliance still isn't recognised - I find there's no point arguing, Jaimin.

[Kajo 176]

He looks good before suspension but now AVB drop him and prefer to play Drogba who's out of form definitely. I think it's time to give FT chance once again 15 or 6 min is not enough that's for sure.

[Krypt 241]

Even after 146 goals and eight seasons at the club his brilliance still isn't recognised - I find there's no point arguing, Jaimin.

I think most our fans appreicate what Drogba has done , i definatly do he has been my faviourte player over the last 8 seasons he has been here.

The thing is there is a high chance he wont be here next year and if Torres is ? surely we need to play him to get used to our style and tactics moving forward.

If Drogba was 27 as well i would stick with him as i think he is a better player on his day but he is not he is 33 and most likely in his last season with us. we need to look at who will lead the line for the next few years and if its not Torres its time to ship him out and either give Danny a try or find someone else who is.

[Blue Armour 4,436]

And fight how? During the 7 and 13 mins he is given?

Unfortunately yes, given that AVB seems to have given preference to Didier, Torres will have to make do with appearances as a sub or during midweek where he'll have to shine...Of course, I could be wrong and AVB will go back to his old rotation system and it'll be the same old stuff again from both the strikers..