Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez believes Fernando Torres peaked during the striker’s spell at Liverpool, but is hoping the Spaniard can re-discover the form which prompted the Blues to pay £50 million for his services.

Torres endured another frustrating game during his side’s goalless draw against Manchester City on Sunday – failing to register a single shot on target – and the 28-year-old has been heavily criticised for his displays since joining the club for a British record fee back in January 2011.

But while Benitez has admitted the Spain international’s best performances came for his former side, the Stamford Bridge boss is hoping his current team-mates can help him to recapture his previous form, although he is unsure how long it could take.

“It [Torres’ form] is not the same now as when he was at his maximum but I think he can come back,” Benitez told reporters.

“How close? I don’t know. It depends on the rest of the team. I think he can improve but the team has to help him.

“The first thing is to give him some confidence; give him instructions of what he can do in a different way to improve himself and the rest of the team a little bit physically.”

Torres has only managed to net 19 times in 88 appearances for the current European Champions since his big-money arrival, and Chelsea will be looking to end a five-match winless run in the Premier League when they host local rivals Fulham on Wednesday.