Roberto Di Matteo has thrown down the gauntlet to Radamel Falcao by suggesting that former Atletico Madrid hero Fernando Torres is the better striker.
Torres and his Chelsea side meet Falcao’s Atletico in Friday’s UEFA Super Cup, providing an opportunity to test the two No 9s, who have both begun the season on form, against each other.
Di Matteo, who led the Londoners to the Champions League title last season, also believes that it is a meeting of two of the best in the world, but he made it clear in reflecting on their form, which he believes is ahead.
“Competition is a healthy thing for professional athletes. I do not believe that Fernando’s great start to the season has anything to do with Didier Drogba’s absence at Chelsea,” reflected the manager at today’s conference.
“Fernando already contributed much to the club last season, he assisted and worked hard. Now he has confidence, lots of encouragement and this is what we expect of him.
“Falcao is an extraordinary player. We’ve seen that in recent seasons with Porto and Atletico. He is one of the best strikers in the world, but of course, he is always behind Fernando Torres.
“However, he will be a threat for Chelsea and we will have to watch him carefully.”
