Fresh reports are surfacing which fuel the speculation that Fernando Torres is bound for a return to Atletico Madrid. It’s well known that Chelsea’s boss Jose Mourinho is unsatisfied with his striking options, and a swap deal, utilising Torres to acquire the services of in form Diego Costa could be exactly what the Blues need.
There’s no doubt that Torres has failed to live up to expectations since transferring to Chelsea for a record breaking 50 million pound fee in 2011. It’s hard to believe that Torres has now played more games for Chelsea than he did for Liverpool, and yet has scored less than a third of the goals he banged in throughout his 4 seasons at Anfield.
The runaway success of new Atletico manger Diego Simeone (a former team mate of Torres), who has guided the Madrid side to a quarter-final berth of the Champions League, will prove to be a further draw for Torres. Bizarrely, given his status as one of the world’s best a few years ago, the relevant question is whether Torres is good enough to play a serious role for Atletico Madrid.
Costa, in stark contrast, is in searing form. In La Liga alone this season, the naturalised Spaniard has scored more goals than Torres has managed in his entire 102 games with Chelsea. Both forwards, at their best, rely on a mix of formidable physical attributes, with world class finishing. As such, it’s easy to see how Costa would settle into the primary striking role at Chelsea, allowing Samuel Eto’o to adopt a more part time responsibility.
All the expected criticisms of players who are bound for premier league life are bound to be levelled at Costa, but no-one who has seen his observed his physical strength and determination this season, could doubt that he has what it takes to succeed in England.
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