Can't agree with your first point. As much as we dislike Torres and find it funny he goes through his slump he was the best striker in the World for 2 years when he first joined us. The guy had everything, he had raw pace, good touch, brilliant link up play, and an awesome finish with his right foot, left foot and head. Would score all types of goals, inside the box, running onto things, from crosses and outside the box. He also had a briliant attitude - remember agaisnt Chelsea he got kicked and kicked and just got up and laughed about it. How many foreign players do that in their first few games in England? Most kick up a fuss but he took it and loved it, and that's what struck fear into defenders, knowing they couldnt rattle him with a few challenges.
Sturridge would do well to get anywhere near what Torres was (and that's not to say he's not a good player) but to say he is better than the on form Torres is ridiculous in my opinion.