A misinterpretation of Fernando Torres’ demeanour?
The body language of Liverpool striker Fernando Torres had been widely criticised in recent weeks as the Reds picked up just six points from their opening seven Premier League games of the new season.
The Spanish striker remains an isolated and frustrated figure as the focal point of Roy Hodgson’s side, one which is still gelling and adjusting to a new style of play under the former Fulham man. Following a dismal World Cup marred by niggling injuries, Torres has scored just once this season and has found chances limited given the distinct lack of service he is currently receiving.
The hitman’s attitude on the pitch has also been widely criticised, with former club captain Jamie Redknapp questioning the player’s hunger, desire and passion to play for Liverpool. On the flip side, Torres is still returning to full fitness following a series of injuries and will take time to hit top form. Despite his current lack of goals, the attacker has turned provider in recent weeks, setting up his side’s last four goals before limping off in the early stages of the Merseysider’s shock defeat to Blackpool last weekend.
Yet the media and opposition coaches continue to focus on the player’s perceived negative body language. They claim it’s a sign that the player no longer wants to remain at the club, something picked up by one Premier League assistant manager who wanted to remain anonymous. He told the Daily Mail:
“People talk about body language and as a coach it is something you look for.
“I have to say, with Torres it stands out a mile at the moment. It’s just not right.
“The question is, is it because he is unfit or because he feels he doesn’t want to be there?”
It seems unlikely that so early into the new season that the former Atletico captain is already regretting his decision to commit his immediate future to the club. If anything, you could say that the clinical striker, along with Steven Gerrard, cares too much about their side’s worrying form. Both players have let their frustrations and anger boil over on the pitch in recent weeks, something which clearly has started to affects the duo’s performances. They should instead focus on the challenge of dragging Liverpool up the league and not let their disappointment affect what they are striving to achieve on the pitch.
In a world of media scrutiny, constant spotlight and over-analysis on everything a player says and does, the best thing both Gerrard and Torres can do is to attempt to keep their emotions in check. Clearly body language is regularly picked up upon; while expert Tonya Reiman believes a player’s mannerisms and the gestures they use on the field of play can be an important factor in sporting success.
“This is extremely important in sports,” Reiman said, referring to body language.
“If you’re trying to work together, you need some kind of rapport. You show rapport through body language.”
Bad body language is continually interpreted as a sign that a player is unhappy with his current situation. Gerrard’s perplexed shake of the head after Torres was substituted against Birmingham last season was highlighted as an indication that former manager Rafael Benitez had lost the dressing room and was no longer trusted by his players. For Torres, it could also be a sign of his own unhappiness with his current form or concerns over his fitness.
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Players’ body language will continued to be analysed, and while it does give an insight to a player’s emotional state, it can often be misinterpreted or sensationalised. Torres will hope to end the debate surrounding his state of mind by getting back to best and start scoring the goals that are expected from one of the world’s finest players. We then may just see a slightly happier glow emanating from El Nino.
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