Villas-Boas explains choices …

AVB knows he has four top-class strikers, which means that there will be rotation.                                                                                                                                                                                                      

It is thought that Fernando Torres could even be back in the starting XI against Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday as they go in hunt of the Holy Grail.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Not only did Torres have to miss out but he saw his replacement Daniel Sturridge not only play freely with confidence but he also scored.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

AVB told press after the game: “We have four wonderful strikers and they all compete for the forward positions. They all offer a different threat and talents, and today the choice fell to [Nicolas] Anelka.                                                                                                                                                                          

“Fernando offers the same and has been playing magnificently well for the last three games as well, but Nicolas showed what he can do with his minutes on the pitch. We decided to go with this because Nicolas hasn’t played in the international break.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

As for what Torres has to do to get his place back, Villas-Boas said: “Nothing special. Everyone’s competing for a place in the side.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

There is no doubt that Torres is an incredible player, he just needs to get a goal, once he scores one, there will be no stopping but it is just a case of hitting the back of the net for the first time.                                                                                                                                                                                        

By Scott Balaam

Twitter @theshed11