Fernando Torres set to start against Utrecht
Roy Hodgson has given the green light to Fernando Torres to start in the dead rubber against Utrecht tonight. Previously, Liverpool boss has rested his stars in the Europa league matches and has given youngsters such as Jonjo Shelvey and Daniel Pacheco a
chance to showcase their talents.
This news has come out as a bit of a surprise but the decision to start with him, has been received with optimism. Fernando Torres has not scored in his last 4 Premier League starts and has looked lethargic and short of confidence.
This game gives him a chance to get back amongst the goals and can give him the much needed confidence.
“This is a good opportunity,” said Hodgson. “Having had a chat with Fernando, I think he'll enjoy it. I'm hoping things will go okay and I can move him out before the end of the game. He's happy to play and he wants to play so, with David Ngog not being
fit, I think it would be foolish of me not to use him.
Liverpool were reluctant to use Torres for three times a week, at the start of the campaign. However, Hodgson believes that his star striker is a lot fitter now and has reached the required levels of fitness.
Hodgson did agree that Liverpool had wrapped him up in cotton wool and were reluctant to over use him.
“He had just come back from the World Cup and our medical staff was concerned about him playing three matches in a week. But he is fitter and stronger now. Fernando knows how well he's played in the past and when things are not going well for him he
is the first to recognise that.
A goal or two will do wonders for the under-performing Spaniard, and will put him in great stead for the game against Fulham – where his partner in crime, Steven Gerrard is also expected to return.
“I am hoping he'll have a good game that will improve his confidence. There's nothing to lose. I've said to Fernando that we believe he's a very fine player.
“He is one of the best front players in Europe and the fact that maybe he has not played at his level over the past couple of months doesn't change that.”
Apart from Torres, Pepe Reina will be the other senior player to retain his spot in the starting line up. The likes of Kelly, Wilson, Babel, Pacheco and Shelvey are also expected to start.
The boss has asked them to impress in front of a packed anfield and given him something to think about, as he will need to use and rotate his squad in the coming festive season.
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