US Edition 
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres says he's yet to reach top form despite two-goal heroics
Fernando Torres insists he is not yet at his explosive best despite scoring the two goals which gave Liverpool victory against Chelsea and halted Carlo Ancelotti’s side’s apparent march to a second successive Premier League title.
Two first-half strikes doubled the Spanish international’s tally in a troubled season but the 26 year-old’s warning that there is more to come will chill the rest of the league.
“Every day I am feeling better and improving every day,” said Torres, who has now scored 44 goals in 47 home games since his move to Anfield. “It has been difficult. It was a tough end of [last] season for me, and so was the World Cup, with lots of injuries. I do not know if I can play my best soon, but I hope I will.
“Being criticised is part of life as a footballer. At a team like Liverpool, everyone watches every game and everything you do is around the world a minute later. I know the expectation and I want to fight hard to get my top form.”
His manager, Roy Hodgson, was equally cautious in his optimism, suggesting that while Torres was certainly at his best against the champions, he could only hope his form would endure.
“I am pleased Fernando will get all the plaudits,” said the Liverpool manager. “He has taken his fair share of criticism, some of which has been exaggerated and not deserved, but people will now say he is back to his best. Let’s hope that is the case. It certainly was against Chelsea.
“He is a vital player for Liverpool, as he would be for any club. He wants the club to do well. He wants to see we are moving in the right direction and like myself he can see a positive future here. He likes being at Liverpool and playing for Liverpool. I do not have any fears as far as he is concerned, as long as we can get back close to the top of the table where Liverpool belong.”
That is an aim which Ancelotti, for one, believes is within Hodgson’s grasp, thanks in no small part to a striker he insisted last week he had no interest in signing. “Liverpool have the opportunity to come back into the top of the table, the first four places,” said the Italian. “Torres built two fantastic goals. He’s come back fit from not a good moment. He is a fantastic striker.”