Juan Mata has backed Fernando Torres to emerge as one of the stars of the European Championship for Spain.
Chelsea playmaker reveals how his pep talks helped Torres shine
Juan Mata has backed Fernando Torres to emerge as one of the stars of the European Championship for Spain.
The 24-year-old playmaker grew in stature at Chelsea last season and helped them claim a UEFA Champions League and FA Cup double.
For Torres, the campaign was not as smooth as he endured long spells where he failed to deliver his best form.
However, the £50million striker managed to finish the campaign strongly and Mata insists he can take his form and confidence into this summer's tournament and play a starring role for Spain.
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"Fernando had a very difficult season but the team had a fantastic close to the season and he deserves to be here," said Mata.
"I have no doubt that, at the European Championship, Fernando will be one of the most important pieces for our team and will certainly score important goals.
"If he recovered his level, it's down to the confidence he has in himself.
"I was there during those moments when it wasn't going well and I always tried to tell him that he was a very important player to Chelsea and the national team."
