England forward Darren
Bent believes Fernando
Torres remains "the best striker in the
Premier League when fit", despite the Spain marksman netting just
six goals since January.
Torres, 27, became English football's most expensive player when
he moved to Chelsea from Liverpool in a £50 million deal but he has
struggled to replicate the form that made him one of the world's
most feared strikers during his time at Anfield.
The former Atletico Madrid frontman has scored just four goals
for the Blues so far this season and has been lambasted for a
number of high-profile misses, including a gilt-edged chance that
went begging against Blackburn last weekend.
But Bent, who has enjoyed significantly more success since his
own January move - claiming 17 goals in 31 games for Aston Villa
and England - feels Torres is still the cream of the Premier League
crop.
"Torres is the best striker in the Premier League when fit, he's
that good," Bent said. "I've followed him from Atletico Madrid
right through to Chelsea.
"Even though he missed a chance at Blackburn, he's still the
best. He's quick, powerful, has a good touch, can shoot with either
foot and use his head."
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