One of the biggest shocks of the World Cup so far came in the form of Spain’s demolition of the Ukraine on Wednesday afternoon. In the space of 90 minutes, the Furia Roja scored more than half as many goals as the Eastern European’s conceded in their 12-match qualifying campaign. David Villa received many of the plaudits for his match-winning brace, but there was no doubt that the star of the show was Fernando Torres.

Billed as Spain’s best talent since Raul emerged on the Champions League scene more than a decade ago, the Atletico Madrid hitman has not enjoyed the best of starts to his career. Despite the struggles of their city rivals, Atletico remain in the shadow of the Galacticos and Torres has thus so far failed to hit the sort of tally that his talent demands. His Euro 2004 campaign was, much like the rest of the squad, forgettable – except for the peach of a mullet that he displayed.

However, after a promising 2005-06 campaign in which his highlight was a stunning match-winning goal against eventual champions Barcelona, Torres finally looks like he will fulfil his undoubted potential. During qualifying he finished as Spain’s top scorer with seven goals, and the highlight of their Group H opener was Torres’ sensational strike. Despite being 3-0 up at the time, ‘El Nino’ – The Child – showed the kind of grit and determination, coupled with a clinical finish, that should convince Milan that he is the man to replace Andriy Shevchenko.

“I know the rumours about my future are strong now,” he said. “I think it is because there is a World Cup coming up and that’s when people are always thinking about big transfers. I've lived through these rumours a thousand times in the last five years and they won't affect me. I am trying to focus on the World Cup which is my biggest priority right now.”

Despite this being his second major tournament, Torres is still just 22-years-old. A year after making the costly mistake of signing Christian Vieri – although only a free transfer signing, the ex-Inter man commanded a hefty salary – surely the Rossoneri directors will do the right thing this summer? If World Cup defences are worried about the prospect of a David Villa-Torres partnership, imagine what their Serie A counterparts will be thinking if Torres lines up alongside Alberto Gilardino next term…

well I'd prefer Teves but OK if that's true then

edit: this post goes in the other thread of the rumoured agreed transfer...

Another thread about 'El niño'?



I would prefer Tevez too, but it's a good deal to bring Torres in. Without a doubt, my 2nd option.

I know Tevez in America like Ronaldinho in Europe. However, I saw him several times and he made nothing impact to me.

So I prefer Torres.

hmm.. torres.. nice...