AC Milan: Reviewing Fernando Torres' First Few Matches in Serie A
After joining Milan on a two-season loan deal from Chelsea, Fernando Torres had to prove that he wasn't over the hill and still had some gas left in the tank after those woeful years with Chelsea.
Justifying a price tag of those exaggerated proportions (£50 million) is enough to make any player cower in fear, and what happened to the Spanish striker with the Blues after enjoying his time with Liverpool was enough to make many fans questions whether or not he was done and dusted.
In his first three matches with Milan, Torres has shown glimpses of the form that put him on the map with Liverpool as one of the premier strikers worldwide. He also needs time to adapt to a new league and a new offense. Patience is required, but early indications are that he'll come through for the Rossoneri.
Here's a review of his first three matches with Milan.
1. Juventus
Fernando Torres made his debut in the Rossoneri kit at the San Siro against Juventus. Unfortunately, he didn't come on soon enough, as he was subbed in by coach Filippo Inzaghi late in the second half and only had about 15 minutes or so to make a difference.
The Juventus defense and midfield had stifled Milan all day long, not allowing the home side to string together two consecutive passes or build any semblance of chemistry. Not surprisingly, Juventus have gotten off to a record start in Serie A, being the first team to have ever kept five clean sheets while winning their first five matches of the new campaign.
Torres' only involvement was met by a lunging tackle from a Bianconeri player, sending a strong signal to the Spaniard that Serie A wouldn't be an easy adaptation. In the end, he didn't have much time to really cement himself in the match.
2. Empoli
Against Empoli, Torres would make his debut as a starter and was probably licking his lips at the thought of going a full match against a recently promoted side with a very modest defensive unit.
After a few bits of shocking defending, it would be Milan that went down 0-2 in the first half, but not before a world-class glancing header from Torres as he was falling away from goal that found the top corner.
Apart from his goal, Torres looked quick and technical with his dribbling. He even went on a few mazy runs and nearly set up an assist when he found Jeremy Menez on the edge of the box only to see Menez's shot hit the crossbar.
Torres' debut start for Milan was an indication that the player was still hungry and has a lot to give at this level.
3. Cesena
Following the fantastic debut start for Torres, Inzaghi gave El Nino his second straight start against yet another recently promoted side.
Torres was stifled along with most of his teammates by an overachieving Cesena unit that fed off their frenetic fan support at the Dino Manuzzi stadium.
He had a few opportunities but didn't receive the required service around the box to really take a shot on goal. A glancing header early in the first half from a set piece didn't do enough to test goalkeeper Nicola Leali.
A few minutes later, Torres nearly was able to latch onto another cross which was only a few centimeters away from his boot. Overall, Torres was quelled and wasn't able to do as much as he did in his first start against Empoli.
With Milan having only picked up two points in the last three matchdays following their first two wins of the season, they'll need Torres to adapt quickly and score the goals required for them to get back into the top three.
That being said, the creativity in the midfield still leaves plenty to be desired, and better service into the box would also suit Torres dramatically.
There are more positive takeaways after his first three matches in Serie A than negative ones. Expect the Spanish hitman to continue improving and reach a double-digit goal tally by the end of the season.
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