Fowler Defends Torres Over Form

It is only a matter of time
before Fernando Torres once
again proves he is one of the
world's top strikers, according
to legendary Kop scorer Robbie
Fowler.

El Nino is still searching for top
form after a series of injury
problems - but the man whose
No.9 shirt Torres now wears saw
signs of improvement against
Manchester United.
"It takes time to get back up to
the top level after a long period
of injury, and he's had more than
his fair share in recent times,"
said Fowler.
"Even just a fraction of a
percentage makes a massive
difference at his level, and in a
couple of weeks he'll probably
look a different man again.
"When he's at the top of his
game then his touch and pace
are a deadly combination, but it's
probably not quite there yet as
he's still coming back from a
series of injuries that can affect
that first explosive moment on
the ball.
"You can never question his
contribution to the team,
because he is prepared to put in
a shift up front on his own
against some of the best - and
toughest - defenders in the
world, and believe me that's not
easy.
"I watched with interest as
Liverpool failed to find him in the
first half at United, and the
results were obvious. In the
second though, their tactics
changed, and suddenly he
created two goals. That showed
he is not as far away as people
are making out.
"Give him the ball and he will get
results, which was evident after
the break at Old Trafford."