Spain Euro 2012: Why Fernando Torres Must Remain on the Bench

Behind a two-goal performance against Ireland in Euro 2012, Fernando Torres was inserted into the starting squad on Monday against Croatia in place of Cesc Fabregas.

The result was a return to normalcy for the embattled Torres, and a closer-than-expected match against the Croats.

After being a hero for the Spaniards against Ireland, Torres was pulled in the 61st minute versus Croatia on Monday. He was uninvolved, minus an average shot attempt in the 22nd minute, and he only took two shots in the entire match.

Coach Vicente del Bosque substituted Jesus Navas for Torres, then substituted Fabregas for David Silva, and the Spaniards scored 15 minutes later. Lesson learned.

You can talk about strategy and game plan all you want, but Torres simply isn't reliable enough this season to count on consistently. He had six goals and four assists in 20 starts for Chelsea in the Premier League, and frankly hasn't been the same since he left Liverpool.

That's why it makes little sense to start Torres over Fabregas. As you may remember, Fabregas registered nine goals and eight assists in 23 starts for Barcelona this season in La Liga. Fabregas has been a better player overall, and more consistent.

By all means, insert Torres off the bench at the right moments, and see if he catches lightning in a bottle, but starting him is illogical given his up-and-down year. Del Bosque's decision to start him on Monday could have cost the Spaniards a trip to the quarterfinals. Hopefully, for Spain's sake, Del Bosque learns from his mistakes.