Fernando Torres has been much criticised since his £50m move from Liverpool, but the double European and World Cup winning striker has shown flashes of pure brilliance, even if they have been tainted by some poor performances.
The next 12 months could be crucial for the hitman, as fans favourite Didier Drogba has jetted off to China, the young Romelu Lukaku has been given a year to impress at West Bromwich, leaving Torres to fire the Blues to expected glory this season, with the summer acquisitions of the likes of Oscar, Hazard, and Marin, along with Ramires and international team mate Mata, chances should be free and flowing to the blonde-locked striker this year.
After Champions League and FA Cup glory last season, Chelsea fans, and billionaire owner Roman Abramovich, will be hoping for more success in the Premier League, trying to bridge the gap that the two Manchester clubs set, and at least tussle for the title this season.
Don’t expect the Champions League to take to the backburner though, Barcelona are expected to be weaker this season without Guardiola at the helm, and with Chelsea’s shock win last season, suddenly a handful of teams are thinking they have the ability to lift the coveted trophy this year.
Just the 7 goals from 46 appearances might not be exactly what Chelsea fans had expected from him at the Bridge so far, but will be hoping that he can go some way to possibly adding a Premier League golden-boot to his name, to go with the Euro2012 one he received just weeks ago.
There is no doubt El Nino is a confidence striker, so hopefully the new purchases can weigh in a few goals, and should Torres get off to a good start in the league, he is bound to keep the goals flowing at a steady rate.
Can Hazard provide the ammunition for El Nino?
The favoured formation at the Bridge is a 4-3-3, with Torres playing in the centre of the three, with the likes of Mata, Hazard, Ramires playing wide of him, but it is not out of the realms of possibility that another striker could be brought in by Di Matteo, with Edinson Cavani’s name being circulated most recently, although it does seem that Daniel Sturridge will stay now, after being linked with a move this summer.
A goal on Sunday helped his cause, a cheeky toe poke in the 3-2 loss versus Man City, a great curtain-raiser for what should prove to be an exciting season, and hopefully another trophy winning one for Chelsea.
By Brad Smith
@BrummieBrad
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