GET A GRIP ... Benitez and Torres
FERNANDO TORRES has told boss Rafa Benitez that January signings will increase his hunger in front of goal.
The World, Euro and Champions League winner has hit the net six times in Benitez’s eight games at Chelsea.But Chelsea are set to spend with £20million Shakhtar Donetsk striker Willian top of Roman Abramovich’s wish-list.
And £50m man Torres is looking forward to the expected added competition for his place.
Benitez said: “He knows that in a top side, if you want to compete and challenge, you need competition in the squad.
“It is important to have different options and better for him and the team.
“The problem in January is which player is available and who is good enough to be in a top side.
“It’s not easy but I think it will be positive for everyone and Fernando is ready to fight for his position.
“Fernando has been trying hard — the thing is now getting him trying hard in the right positions.
“He is improving every day. He has the confidence and he is getting closer (to the Fernando I had at Liverpool). He is very happy.
“I have to improve the players every day in every training session but I am not in charge of the finances. I know that the club will try to do the best.”
With Daniel Sturridge on the verge of a move to Liverpool — Chelsea will be left with just one striker in the New Year.
But Torres is starting to recapture the kind of form he showed for the Reds under Benitez having struggled last season as Didier Drogba’s understudy.
The 28-year-old will have another chance to add to his tally against one of the Premier League’s youngest and most inexperienced back-fours when Chelsea face Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge today.
El Nino scored for Benitez’s side against Leeds in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday night and has played every game for Chelsea under Benitez so far.
Benitez added: “We are keeping him high up the pitch and telling him not to come deep. Juan Mata, Eden Hazard and Osar can do those jobs so he can stay higher and be ready around the box.
“I’ve also asked him to play simple and run behind defenders.”
Benitez has been praised by Abramovich for turning Torres’ fortunes around.
He added: “I’ve not heard directly, but Michael Emenalo (Chelsea’s technical director) is watching every training session and they are quite pleased with the way that things are going
