re: Fernando Torres - What once was

Many sides which are not champions have done well in the CL, from many leagues. Champions have come during ´meh´league campaigns, and preparing for their CL matches like college football teams do for their bowl.

The ´piss and vinegar´approach to matches (come out like screaming banshees, get up by a goal or two, then bunker), worked very well.

I don´t think the sides you were referring to, had matches against Torres, whilst qualifying.

EPL sides have always had great athletes, capable of heaving up and down the pitch for a much greater part of the match than others.

Shake or stir any or all of the above, your choice, then pour. Your answer is served.