Roy Hodgson insisted Fernando Torres is content at Anfield after the Spain striker’s stunning two-goal performance sealed a 2-0 win over Chelsea.

On the evidence of Sunday’s rampant display, Torres has recovered from the malaise that has afflicted him for much of the year as he doubled his Liverpool goal tally for the season.

His performance also maintained the recent resurgence of Hodgson’s side, who stretched their unbeaten run to five games in all competitions and recorded a third consecutive Premier League victory.

“We speak all the time. He wants the club to do well. He wants to see we’re moving in the right direction,” said Hodgson of his relationship with Torres, who has now scored 60 goals in 79 career starts for Liverpool.

“We were all in a situation wondering what the future would be during the takeover but, like myself, he can see a positive future here.

“He likes being at Liverpool and playing for Liverpool. I don’t have any fears for the future as far as he’s concerned, as long as we can get back close to the top of the table where Liverpool belong.

“On this form, his performance was right up there with his best, it was an excellent performance. Fernando Torres is a vital player for Liverpool; he would be for any club. You can’t have success without players doing that job for you up front.”

Torres himself was non-committal when asked whether he feels he has returned to his lethal best.

“It’s been difficult to know that,” he said.

“It was a tough end to the season for me, difficult in the World Cup, I had a lot of injuries, it was difficult training every day.

“Every game I am feeling better, improving every day. I don’t know if I can play at my best soon or later. I’m sure I will do my best to do it as soon as possible.”