Former Tottenham and Barcelona boss Terry Venables says Fernando Torres has been off colour this season due to a lack of service from his Liverpool teammates.
In his column for The Sun, El Tel opined: "Terrible. Diabolical. Sloppy. Frustrated. Lethargic.
"They were some of the words used to describe Torres' display for Liverpool in their 0-0 draw at Birmingham on Sunday. The Spanish ace was accused of lacking appetite and even interest.
"His critics reckon the frontman, who fired 57 Premier League goals in 83 games since joining Liverpool, has been a shadow of himself at the start of this season.
"He has managed just one goal in four top-flight appearances, one of which was as a substitute.
"And they argue the main reason for his "poor start" is because he is disillusioned at Anfield with the club not in the Champions League. Now I'm sure Torres is hacked off by being unable to compete against Europe's elite.
"But, however disappointed he may be, I don't think he's one who throws his toys out of the pram. And I do not believe discontent caused by his club's current slump to be the reason.
"He is not fed up at Liverpool - he is simply not getting fed.
"El Nino has struggled to hit the target because of the lack of service he has received. Goalscoring chances for Torres have been almost as rare as points for Roy Hodgson's men this term."
