Fernando Torres against Galatasaray - Analysis

Fernando Torres

Chelsea’s Fernando Torres responded to his manager’s criticism in perfect fashion yesterday evening, scoring the club’s only goal of the match as the Blues secured a 1-1 away draw against Galatasaray.

The build-up to this last 16 tie became overshadowed by Jose Mourinho’s private comments in midweek. The Portuguese head coach was recorded bemoaning his lack of strikers and this footage found its way onto French Television.

It would have been understandable if the outburst had a negative impact on Torres, even if he was eventually chosen to start ahead of Cameroonian Samuel Eto’o. The Spaniard is a player who thrives off confidence and Mourinho’s recent remarks are unlikely to have installed any form of self belief.

However, starting his first game form the Blues since January 11th, he responded in perfect fashion, finding the back of the net in what proved to be a tough fixture for Chelsea. Inside the opening ten minutes he pounced on some clumsy Galatasaray defending to slip the ball home from a neat Cesar Azpilicueta pass. This precious away goal could prove vital for the club in three weeks, when they welcome their Turkish opponents to Stamford Bridge.

It wasn’t just his goal that would have impressed Mourinho. The Spaniard covered plenty of ground at both ends of the pitch, winning headers in his own area at set-pieces as well as in amongst the Galatasaray back four. In total he won three of six attempted headed duels, whilst completing 80% of his attempted take ons. He caused problems for the Turkish outfit throughout the entire first half.

Fernando Torres – Attempted take-ons

His passing accuracy will prove slightly disconcerting for Chelsea fans. Having made attempts to play the ball to a team-mate just 14 times, he registered a measly success rate of 57%. Playing as a lone frontman this total needs a drastic improvement, especially if he wishes to cement a starting berth in Mourinho’s side. His average accuracy in Europe now stands at just 58%.

Fernando Torres – Passing accuracy

He had a glorious chance to snatch a second goal seven minutes into the second half but, just like the Fernando Torres we have grown accustomed to, he failed to capitalise on this opportunity. Eden Hazard sent him in on goal with a sublime through ball, but he hesitated for far too long and ended up hitting a tame shot which goalkeeper Fernando Muslera was able to tip wide. Of his four attempts in this match he hit the target on two occasions, whilst one strike was blocked.

Fernando Torres – Shots on goal

If Torres can continue his scoring form, he may even convince Mourinho to change his mind, regarding the usefulness of his strikers. The main requirement of a frontman is, of course, to score and Torres is doing well in this regard – he now has three goals in four European appearances.

Mourinho told reporters after the final whistle: “I am not critical with my striker, because my striker did a very good game. But, overall, when we go to counterattack situations, we are missing the last pass, the last control, the last choice – because we had in the first half many occasions to do the second goal. The second goal would have changed completely the story of the game.”

Regardless of the Portuguese manager’s diplomatic response in his post-match interview, it would be a huge surprise if the club’s chequebook is not utilised throughout the summer months. Mourinho is clearly not happy with his current options in attack and it will take a great deal to change this.