Torres and the cut-throat life of a striker

He is so close. He is literally on the finish line. Fernando Torres is one strike away from reaching 100 goals for Atletico Madrid, but I don’t think he will ever get there.

Fernando Torres needs one more goal to reach 100 for Atletico Madrid. Source: Getty Images

With his sweeping blonde locks, well defined jaw-line and cheeky grin, Torres almost looks like the man of 2008.

Seven years ago the Spanish forward started to take the Premier League by storm, where he left with a record of 65 goals in 102 games, while swiftly becoming a fan favorite at Liverpool as he built on scintillating La Liga form.

Now, he is slow and sluggish, drab and dull. A limp and lifeless shadow of his former self.

Torres was dragged through Stamford Bridge hell, fizzled out in Milan and returned home to Los Colchoneros for a fairytale ending, which unfortunately, is yet to pan out.

Torres’ fall from grace is one of football’s saddest stories, and why? Because that is the cut-throat life of a striker.

While Torres takes the brunt of abuse and is a scapegoat for players who simply lost their mojo, there is a long list of strikers who share the same tale.

Michael Owen, Andriy Shevchenko and even Ian Rush to name but a few who misplaced their shooting boots.

When a forward loses his eye for goal, the flair, sparkle and knack for being in the right place at the right time. It marks the unfortunate end of their career.

Andrea Pirlo simply adapted. The midfield general sat deeper into the middle of the park and used his range of passing ability to contradict the pace of the game. 

John Terry grew stronger, bolder and boasts such a wealth of experience that he can captain Chelsea in the Champions League as their most reliable centre-back.

Torres stopped scoring. And that was it.

The last time he found the net was against Eibar in September, and he has now gone 11 matches without glory.

A disappointing display in this week’s Champions League tie with Galatasary could see his chances with first team action become further reduced.

And worst of all, his contract expires at the end of the season.

One more goal is all he needs and perhaps the Torres story will sound a little sour. But, if it is retirement that next comes knocking on the door, you have to remember he’s only 31 years-old.

Perhaps it is best if we all remember the Torres of old.