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Chelsea's Juan Mata backs Fernando Torres to rediscover goal-scoring touch
The former Liverpool forward has scored just twice in the Premier League so far this season but his compatriot is in no doubt that he can turn his form around
7 Feb 2012 07:42:00
By Mark Doyle
Getty Images
Juan Mata insists that Chelsea team-mate Fernando Torres is playing well at the moment and that the forward will soon rediscover his goal-scoring touch.
Torres, who arrived at Stamford Bridge from Liverpool in January 2011 for a reported British record fee of £50 million, has netted just twice in 19 Premier League appearances this season.
However, Mata believes that his compatriot is improving with each passing game and will soon remind everyone why he was once considered one of the most potent strikers in the world.
"Torres is good, calm and training and playing very well," the winger told MarcaTV.
"I know everyone talks about his goals [record] but I know he's going to [score more].
"He has provided many assists this season and he is certainly going to change those assists into goals."
Meanwhile, Mata, who scored a wonderful volley in his side's 3-3 draw with Manchester United at the weekend, is satisfied with the way in which he is currently coping with the rigours of the English game.
"I am very pleased and happy with this first season in London," he enthused. "I am learning quickly and adapting to the football."
Mata, who has been capped 14 times by Spain, was signed by Chelsea for £23.5m from Valencia last August.
| Bet: | Returns: | Spain £10.63 | Draw £80.00 | China £260.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Spain £11.00 | Draw £90.00 | China £230.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Spain £11.00 | Draw £90.00 | China £210.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Spain £11.00 | Draw £90.00 | China £210.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Spain £10.30 | Draw £110.00 | China £260.00 |
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Torres, who arrived at Stamford Bridge from Liverpool in January 2011 for a reported British record fee of £50 million, has netted just twice in 19 Premier League appearances this season.
However, Mata believes that his compatriot is improving with each passing game and will soon remind everyone why he was once considered one of the most potent strikers in the world.
"Torres is good, calm and training and playing very well," the winger told MarcaTV.
"I know everyone talks about his goals [record] but I know he's going to [score more].
"He has provided many assists this season and he is certainly going to change those assists into goals."
Meanwhile, Mata, who scored a wonderful volley in his side's 3-3 draw with Manchester United at the weekend, is satisfied with the way in which he is currently coping with the rigours of the English game.
"I am very pleased and happy with this first season in London," he enthused. "I am learning quickly and adapting to the football."
Mata, who has been capped 14 times by Spain, was signed by Chelsea for £23.5m from Valencia last August.
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Live!
England 1-0 Belgium, Netherlands 4-0 Northern Ireland - follow all the international action LIVE! ahead of Euro 2012
With countries across the continent gearing up for their final warm-up games ahead of Euro 2012, join us for all the action from Saturday's friendlies. Get in touch with us via Twitter with your reaction.
Hosted by Joe Doyle
Hosted by Joe Doyle
20:17 BST
It's now 5-0 to Netherlands. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has just come on for Arsenal striker Robin van Persie, who scored two goals. A bit of debate on who will start between those two at the Euros, it's an interesting one.
20:14 BST
The general consensus, then, is that Danny Welbeck should be starting up front against France with Ashley Young supporting him. How about Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain? Did he do enough to earn a starting role at Euro 2012?
20:06 BST
So, that game gave a few players a chance to impress for England. Who did/didn't? Will Welbeck start against France? Or Carroll? Or Defoe?!
19:59 BST
Unfortunately for Northern Ireland, they are trailing the Netherlands 4-0 at half-time. Looks like that one's all sewn up then.
19:54 BST
We're still getting plenty of Hazard chat on Twitter. A few are now saying that he's not worth the hype, others saying he was brilliant(!?) and others (which I agree with), saying he created much of his own hype. What do you think? Get involved!
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