The striker scored both goals to help the Reds to their third straight Premier League win and a position in the top half of the table.
He has been hampered by injuries in recent months and questions have been raised about whether he is happy at Anfield.
But Hodgson has praised Torres' commitment, both in terms of his work on the pitch and his vision for the future of the club.
Asked about the Spaniard's fitness, Hodgson told Sky Sports: "In the second half he was tired but still running, getting into positions and causing problems for Chelsea's defenders.
"He is a vital player for us and would be any club. You can't have success if you don't have front players who do a good job for you.
"Hopefully at the end of the season he can say 'even though I didn't start so well I've had a good season' and can prove it with the goals he scored.
"He wants the club to do well and can see we're moving in the right direction.
"He couldn't say much when the club was in the throes of being sold but like myself he sees a bright future with new owners."
Liverpool's recent run has also eased the pressure on Hodgson after a difficult start to his reign, but the manager insists that he never paid much attention to any criticism.
"I have no fears about my ability or dents in confidence during my time here," he explained.
"You have to put up with it and keep working with the team and let them answer for you. We're not a bad team and we're trying to get better through working."
Hodgson was delighted with the manner of Liverpool's triumph against Chelsea but admitted they did need to withstand an onslaught in the second half.
He added: "It was a very good first half performance. I thought Chelsea played well in the second half but we stayed firm and thanks to Pepe Reina and the crossbar we kept our clean sheet and had chances ourselves.
"I'm very happy with the result and the way the team responded to losing two of our back four (Glen Johnson and Sotirios Kyrgiakos) just before the game."
On his team's improved form, the former Fulham boss added: "I think the intensity's been there in a lot of games but people notice results.
"There's not been a great change in our play but possibly we are getting stronger and more confident...this is the result of working day after day, month after month."
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