Torres fears a flop

Jun 8 2008 By Mark Guidi

FERNANDO TORRES last night admitted he fears flopping at the Euros because Spain do not play to his strengths.

The spotlight will be on the Liverpool star when Spain kick off their Group D campaign against Russia in Innsbruck on Tuesday.

Torres was in fantastic form for the Reds last season but with Spain not having a Steven Gerrard or Dirk Kuyt in the team, he feels he could lack proper service.

The hitman said: "Spain play a totally different style to Liverpool so that affects me.We have a lot of the ball but it is moved around the midfield.

"I also do less running for Liverpool because the team works for me and their passes provide me with quality chances.

"For Spain I will have to drum it into my head that I'll probably hardly participate in matches.

"I might not even touch the ball but I if I get a chance I will have to make it count.

"I know the teamcannot change to suitme and I'm the onewhowill have to adapt. My instinct tells me if I don't score it's going to look as if I've not been in the game."

The tactics used by boss Luis Aragones don't seem to bring the best out of Torres and Spain's other star man Cesc Fabregas.

Arsenal midfielder Fabregas has played 26 times for his country and has still to score while Torres has only 15 goals from 49 caps.

Team-mates also share Torres' concerns and Anfield colleague Alvaro Arbeloa said: "Spain's style of play does not allow Fernando to perform at his best."