There were plenty of pundits saying that Roman had lost interest in owning a football club over the past months. It seemed the Russian had his heart set on abandoning his West London home for a Saratov homecoming, particularly after his vehement support for a Russian World Cup.

The tycoon has always been a winner. Chelsea’s recent fall from their perch has caused many critics to question the drive of an aging squad. There’s no doubting Terry and Lampard’s devotion to the cause, but Drogba, Malouda and Anelka have appeared a trifle petulant at times this term. Drastic measures are needed to turn Chelski’s season around and Roman has issued his stamp of authority: the £50m signing of El Nino from Merseyside. Roman’s latest signing proves he is still there to pull Chelsea out from the proverbial doldrums (although last I checked, being Champions wasn’t the worst thing in the world).

Abramovich first tried to sign Torres in 2005, before the former Atletico Madrid skipper had caught the rest of Europe’s attention. It was Liverpool that landed the Spaniard in 2007 for around £26m (yes, despite his dreadful form during a recession his value has nearly doubled) and ironically his first goal came against the Blues in his third appearance for the Scousers. He has since bagged seven goals in eight games against Chelsea.

Torres was certainly unhappy about being a star within a mediocre team, proof in abundance from his dismal form and stroppy body language. Kenny Dalglish repeated himself on a number of occasions that the striker was not for sale, but when Torres’ transfer request was eventually accepted, it was only a matter of time before he would be heading to Stamford Bridge; shades of KK’s departure to Hamburg in ‘77.

Liverpool fans will be praying his abysmal form towards the end of his time at Anfield washes over when he runs out in front of the Chelsea faithful, particularly when Torres was quoted after he signed at 10:50pm last night:

“This is the target for every footballer – to try to play for one of the top clubs in the world and I can do it now. It has been two, three, four very, very hard days for me but I can now say that I am a Chelsea player.”

Somehow his assertion that Chelsea are a top club (and Liverpool clearly aren’t) is not going to warrant any Christmas cards methinks. However, we have seen this lad’s class, certainly something he can regain. My only fear for Chelsea is that his ego will clash with Drogba’s and I’m not the only one who’s not convinced the two will work together without impacting the rest of the side’s shape.

From an Anfield perspective, Liverpool fans should fear not. You got the best out of the striker for a few years and although he didn’t win anything for you, his departure has certainly been softened by the arrival of two new recruits.

As Torres was wishing his so longs at the Melwood training ground, Liverpool’s reps were trying to thrash out a deal for Andy ‘Pandy’ Carroll. Now £35m is a wad of cash for a player who has only featured in the top flight for six or so months. However, be sure to bear in mind that Carroll is only 22. He has a whole lot of football ahead of him and he has proven a handful against the top clubs, having already netted against Arsenal and Chelsea this season.

Fellow new-boy Luis ‘never enter Ghana or you will be lynched’ Suarez is only 24 and has an astounding record for Ajax and Uruguay. 2010 Dutch footballer of the year with 35 goals in 33 appearances in the Eredivisie is money well spent by my books

He suits a 4-4-2, a 4-3-3 or a 4-5-1 as he can play as the central or lone striker and is adept at pulling off either flank. While he is not the quickest, he will certainly pounce upon anything Carroll knocks down and will link up with Steven Gerrard’s surging runs from midfield. Make no mistake; this is an important bit of business as it proves that Liverpool’s new owners are willing to bring in reputable names.

I’ve always said that Liverpool will take another five years to rebuild what stands as the most mediocre team I have ever seen represent the Kop. But with Raul Meireles finding his feet, Gerrard committed to the cause and two new, young signings joining the ranks, Liverpool supporters can afford some optimism. With Lou and Andy (‘yeah, I know’) up top, the club has certainly made a step forward. Landing Anelka would have been twenty steps back.

[Source: Daily Star]

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