Cech enthused by Torres - Blues keeper believes striker on the up

Chelsea keeper Petr Cech believes Fernando Torres is getting back to his best following his impressive showing against Stoke.

The £50million capture from Liverpool struggled in the second half of last season after calling time on his Anfield tenure.

The Spain international mustered just one Premier League goal for his new club, leading many to criticise his lofty transfer fee.

However, with a full pre-season under his belt Torres tormented Stoke in Sunday's goalless meeting at the Britannia Stadium.

Although Torres did not score he looked sharp and dangerous and that leads Cech to believe the Spaniard is on the up.

Difference

"It has made a huge difference that he had a pre-season with us," he said.

"Sometimes when you come for such a huge amount of money to a different team and city everything changes and there is a lot of pressure.

"He had some injuries last season and it was not the ideal situation for him but you could see he was settling well every week.

"Now he has got to know the players and the way that we play.

"He had a really good game against Stoke and he deserved to get a goal.

"He was close on a few occasions, he created space and chances for the others.

"I thought Fernando was brilliant up front and it was just a pity we did not convert our chances. It was great to see."