Jason McAteer : Steven Gerrard Is Better Than Kaka
Jason McAteer believes that Steven Gerrard could the best player in the world at the moment.
Former Liverpool midfielder Jason McAteer has expressed his belief that Steven Gerrard is the greatest midfielder in the world, claiming that the closest anyone comes to competing for the best in Gerrard's position is Brazilian superstar Kaka.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, McAteer shared his thoughts,"When a player like Steven Gerrard, arguably the best player in the world at the moment, gets space then he'll hurt you all day long.
"You can't really compare him to Lionel Messi because they both influence the game in different ways.
"The closest to Steven Gerrard at the moment is probably Kaka - and I would say Gerrard is above him in the best player ratings.
"He influences the team all over and it's not just about the goals. It's what he does off the ball, his movement and the way he brings players into the game."
Gerrard has managed to net six goals in his last three games for the Reds, and recently claimed his first Premier League hat-trick for the club.
Despite the skipper's talismanic attributes and recent form, McAteer believes that Liverpool's success of late can be credited to the team as a whole.
The retired midfielder also professed that the Anfield outfit do not enjoy the same kind of squad depth as rivals Manchester United, and worries that the international break might affect Rafa Benitez's selection options even further.
"If you look up and down the spine of Liverpool's team you've got [Pepe]Reina playing fantastically well - then there's [Jamie]Carragher, Gerrard and [Fernando]Torres.
"When those four players are on their game they'll influence the rest of the team. Fabio Aurelio has been absolutely brilliant in the last four or five games and Albert Riera played fantastically well on Sunday. We know all about Dirk Kuyt too. The whole team has played collectively.
"Unfortunately, what I'm worried about is this international break. It's just come at the wrong time - but it's a great time for Manchester United.
"Sir Alex Ferguson can go away, take stock of what's happened, bring his team back together and go from there.
"Liverpool will want to go out and play another league game. It's all about keeping those players fit because their squad's not as strong as Manchester United's."
Off the back of 'Pool's recent results, McAteer believes that the team have the momentum to go on and win the Premier League title, but concedes that his former club does not possess the experience that Sir Alex Ferguson's squad has.
"I don't think you can ever write Liverpool off," he added.
"I've seen them a lot this season and they've not been in great form, but they've been hard to beat and when the chips have been down they've nicked points.
"We've had a lot of luck, but I was just waiting for them to find a bit of form and they've certainly done that over the last three games.
"I haven't seen them play better than this all season.
"But you can't rule out Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson's got the blueprint, he's done it year in year out and we'll see how his players react.
"Winning this Premier League title is new to Rafa Benitez, but we've got the confidence and momentum to go into games and turn teams over."
Former Liverpool midfielder Jason McAteer has expressed his belief that Steven Gerrard is the greatest midfielder in the world, claiming that the closest anyone comes to competing for the best in Gerrard's position is Brazilian superstar Kaka.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, McAteer shared his thoughts,"When a player like Steven Gerrard, arguably the best player in the world at the moment, gets space then he'll hurt you all day long.
"You can't really compare him to Lionel Messi because they both influence the game in different ways.
"The closest to Steven Gerrard at the moment is probably Kaka - and I would say Gerrard is above him in the best player ratings.
"He influences the team all over and it's not just about the goals. It's what he does off the ball, his movement and the way he brings players into the game."
Gerrard has managed to net six goals in his last three games for the Reds, and recently claimed his first Premier League hat-trick for the club.
Despite the skipper's talismanic attributes and recent form, McAteer believes that Liverpool's success of late can be credited to the team as a whole.
The retired midfielder also professed that the Anfield outfit do not enjoy the same kind of squad depth as rivals Manchester United, and worries that the international break might affect Rafa Benitez's selection options even further.
"If you look up and down the spine of Liverpool's team you've got [Pepe]Reina playing fantastically well - then there's [Jamie]Carragher, Gerrard and [Fernando]Torres.
"When those four players are on their game they'll influence the rest of the team. Fabio Aurelio has been absolutely brilliant in the last four or five games and Albert Riera played fantastically well on Sunday. We know all about Dirk Kuyt too. The whole team has played collectively.
"Unfortunately, what I'm worried about is this international break. It's just come at the wrong time - but it's a great time for Manchester United.
"Sir Alex Ferguson can go away, take stock of what's happened, bring his team back together and go from there.
"Liverpool will want to go out and play another league game. It's all about keeping those players fit because their squad's not as strong as Manchester United's."
Off the back of 'Pool's recent results, McAteer believes that the team have the momentum to go on and win the Premier League title, but concedes that his former club does not possess the experience that Sir Alex Ferguson's squad has.
"I don't think you can ever write Liverpool off," he added.
"I've seen them a lot this season and they've not been in great form, but they've been hard to beat and when the chips have been down they've nicked points.
"We've had a lot of luck, but I was just waiting for them to find a bit of form and they've certainly done that over the last three games.
"I haven't seen them play better than this all season.
"But you can't rule out Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson's got the blueprint, he's done it year in year out and we'll see how his players react.
"Winning this Premier League title is new to Rafa Benitez, but we've got the confidence and momentum to go into games and turn teams over."
Manchester City’s Craig Bellamy Dents Liverpool Title Hopes
Manchester City seem to ironically have handed their bitter rivals the Premier League title, holding Liverpool to a draw at Anfield this afternoon. A wicked deflection from a Craig Bellamy shot took the Citizens ahead in the second half before Dirk Kuyt equalised late on but Liverpool couldn’t find a winner.
The game at Anfield was one Liverpool simply had to win to stay in touch with Manchester United at the top of the Premier League. This was reflected in Rafael Benitez’s line-up which was extremely strong. Liverpool were searching for a fourth straight win against a Manchester City side that were looking for their 1,200 victory in top flight football. Mark Hughes’ Citizens have only won once on their travels this season.
Liverpool press early without creating any clear cut chances, as to be expected the home side were dominating possession. Jamie Carragher played through Yossi Benayoun in the eighth minute who squared to Fernando Torres but the Spaniard scuffed a rather tame shot well wide of the target.
Robinho featured for the first time in the fourteenth minute, exchanging passes with Stephen Ireland but a promising through ball was well cut out by Pepe Reina. The Citizens looked to open up the Liverpool backline a minute later with a long ball forward from Vincent Kompany looking for former Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy. Alvaro Arbeloa was wise to the danger though, and did well to head back to Reina.
Andrea Dossena ventured forward for Liverpool in the 17th minute and fizzed the ball across the six-yard box but it was behind all three Liverpool players in the box and Manchester City cleared quite easily. Liverpool win a corner in the 22nd minute that produces a goal line scramble, but Micah Richards manages to poke the ball away from Torres.
Ireland launches a beautiful ball cross field to Robinho who eventually cut inside Carragher and played the ball inside for Ireland, who had made up 70yards to receive the ball back from his teammate. The skilful midfielder’s first touch was good but unusually his finish was poor and Reina manages to gather at the second time of asking.
A break away attack sees Torres charge down the right flank, the Spaniard looked up and picked out Albert Riera who has time for two touches, shifting the ball onto his preferred left foot but his shot was wide of the mark. The winger should have done better, it was a great opportunity.
The second half saw Manchester City take the lead in the 49th minute. The ball was thrown in to Robinho who dropped a shoulder and drove inside, he passed to Bellamy who was standing just inside the penalty area. The Welshman’s shot deflected off Arbeloa and arrowed into the far corner past Reina. It was the first time Bellamy had scored against Liverpool.
Two minutes later De Jong rifles a long range effort goalwards from 30yards that has Reina scrambling. The ball swirled just over the bar, Liverpool were on the ropes. It was the jolt that the home side needed as Liverpool had been poor up to this point, despite their possession.
It was the Citizens that were increasingly finding their feet in the second half though, Robinho and Ireland combining well on the hour mark. Ireland received the ball from the Brazilian and span on the edge of the box but his shot was scooped over the bar. City were looking dangerous on the break.
Liverpool had the ball cleared off the line by Richard Dunne and moments later the ball was in the net again for Manchester City, Ireland was the scorer. Fortunately for the home side he had ventured into an offside position before tapping in the cross-shot from Richards in the 67th minute.
Benitez’s side bought themselves an underserved lifeline in the 78th minute. Dirk Kuyt slotted home from close range following a Benayoun cross from the left, it missed Torres who swung a boot at it and caught nothing but air. Liverpool needed a winner to keep their title hunt alive.
The Citizens were looking vulnerable, understandably considering their shocking away form, Benayoun cut in the from the left before having his shot blocked by a crowd of City players. Kuyt then strikes one from range, it moved in the air and Shay Given could only palm away.
Liverpool seemed to be happy to launch the ball forward more in hope than anything from this point on. Without the influence of Xabi Alonso in midfield the home side had looked short on ideas. Manchester City were trying to hold onto the ball whenever they could.
The Citizens held on for the draw and it was the sixth home draw for Liverpool this season. Manchester United are now seven points clear at the top of the Premier League and it is looking increasingly like the title race is over. Manchester City put in a good performance and thoroughly deserved their point
The game at Anfield was one Liverpool simply had to win to stay in touch with Manchester United at the top of the Premier League. This was reflected in Rafael Benitez’s line-up which was extremely strong. Liverpool were searching for a fourth straight win against a Manchester City side that were looking for their 1,200 victory in top flight football. Mark Hughes’ Citizens have only won once on their travels this season.
Liverpool press early without creating any clear cut chances, as to be expected the home side were dominating possession. Jamie Carragher played through Yossi Benayoun in the eighth minute who squared to Fernando Torres but the Spaniard scuffed a rather tame shot well wide of the target.
Robinho featured for the first time in the fourteenth minute, exchanging passes with Stephen Ireland but a promising through ball was well cut out by Pepe Reina. The Citizens looked to open up the Liverpool backline a minute later with a long ball forward from Vincent Kompany looking for former Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy. Alvaro Arbeloa was wise to the danger though, and did well to head back to Reina.
Andrea Dossena ventured forward for Liverpool in the 17th minute and fizzed the ball across the six-yard box but it was behind all three Liverpool players in the box and Manchester City cleared quite easily. Liverpool win a corner in the 22nd minute that produces a goal line scramble, but Micah Richards manages to poke the ball away from Torres.
Ireland launches a beautiful ball cross field to Robinho who eventually cut inside Carragher and played the ball inside for Ireland, who had made up 70yards to receive the ball back from his teammate. The skilful midfielder’s first touch was good but unusually his finish was poor and Reina manages to gather at the second time of asking.
A break away attack sees Torres charge down the right flank, the Spaniard looked up and picked out Albert Riera who has time for two touches, shifting the ball onto his preferred left foot but his shot was wide of the mark. The winger should have done better, it was a great opportunity.
The second half saw Manchester City take the lead in the 49th minute. The ball was thrown in to Robinho who dropped a shoulder and drove inside, he passed to Bellamy who was standing just inside the penalty area. The Welshman’s shot deflected off Arbeloa and arrowed into the far corner past Reina. It was the first time Bellamy had scored against Liverpool.
Two minutes later De Jong rifles a long range effort goalwards from 30yards that has Reina scrambling. The ball swirled just over the bar, Liverpool were on the ropes. It was the jolt that the home side needed as Liverpool had been poor up to this point, despite their possession.
It was the Citizens that were increasingly finding their feet in the second half though, Robinho and Ireland combining well on the hour mark. Ireland received the ball from the Brazilian and span on the edge of the box but his shot was scooped over the bar. City were looking dangerous on the break.
Liverpool had the ball cleared off the line by Richard Dunne and moments later the ball was in the net again for Manchester City, Ireland was the scorer. Fortunately for the home side he had ventured into an offside position before tapping in the cross-shot from Richards in the 67th minute.
Benitez’s side bought themselves an underserved lifeline in the 78th minute. Dirk Kuyt slotted home from close range following a Benayoun cross from the left, it missed Torres who swung a boot at it and caught nothing but air. Liverpool needed a winner to keep their title hunt alive.
The Citizens were looking vulnerable, understandably considering their shocking away form, Benayoun cut in the from the left before having his shot blocked by a crowd of City players. Kuyt then strikes one from range, it moved in the air and Shay Given could only palm away.
Liverpool seemed to be happy to launch the ball forward more in hope than anything from this point on. Without the influence of Xabi Alonso in midfield the home side had looked short on ideas. Manchester City were trying to hold onto the ball whenever they could.
The Citizens held on for the draw and it was the sixth home draw for Liverpool this season. Manchester United are now seven points clear at the top of the Premier League and it is looking increasingly like the title race is over. Manchester City put in a good performance and thoroughly deserved their point
Liverpool Needed A Break
The Reds are rearing and ready to go after enjoying a welcome mid-season siesta...
liverpool's exit from the FA Cup at the hands of Everton, no matter how painful at the time, could prove a blessing in disguise on the Premier League front.
The Anfield giants suffered no major casualties in last week's international fixtures, and they were afforded a much-needed rest while their rivals continued their cup runs at the weekend.
Rafael Benitez gave his players some time off, and he expects them to be fit and fresh when they return to action on Sunday afternoon against Manchester City.
"The rest was good for us," the Reds boss said on the club's official website. "We had been playing too many games in a row and so it was important for the players to rest and enjoy some time with their families. We need to be ready for the important weeks ahead."
"We know the City game is massive for us and that's why we have to concentrate totally on it and prepare properly.
"City are scoring goals but also conceding some so clearly they are a dangerous team. They have good players with the likes of Robinho and [Craig] Bellamy so offensively we have to be aware."
Liverpool now sit five points behind the league leaders following Manchester United's 3-0 win over Fulham, but Benitez is confident of hauling back the Red Devils over the coming weeks.
"You never know what is going to happen. You can lose points one day and then a few weeks later the other teams lose points as well," he said.
"We just have to keep going, think about the next game and winning three points, and that's it."
liverpool's exit from the FA Cup at the hands of Everton, no matter how painful at the time, could prove a blessing in disguise on the Premier League front.
The Anfield giants suffered no major casualties in last week's international fixtures, and they were afforded a much-needed rest while their rivals continued their cup runs at the weekend.
Rafael Benitez gave his players some time off, and he expects them to be fit and fresh when they return to action on Sunday afternoon against Manchester City.
"The rest was good for us," the Reds boss said on the club's official website. "We had been playing too many games in a row and so it was important for the players to rest and enjoy some time with their families. We need to be ready for the important weeks ahead."
"We know the City game is massive for us and that's why we have to concentrate totally on it and prepare properly.
"City are scoring goals but also conceding some so clearly they are a dangerous team. They have good players with the likes of Robinho and [Craig] Bellamy so offensively we have to be aware."
Liverpool now sit five points behind the league leaders following Manchester United's 3-0 win over Fulham, but Benitez is confident of hauling back the Red Devils over the coming weeks.
"You never know what is going to happen. You can lose points one day and then a few weeks later the other teams lose points as well," he said.
"We just have to keep going, think about the next game and winning three points, and that's it."
Liverpool Need Steven Gerrard
The Spain striker thinks that the England midfielder is absolutely vital to Liverpool's title challenge this season.
16/02/2009 18:36
Fernando Torres: Liverpool Need Steven Gerrard
The Spain striker thinks that the England midfielder is absolutely vital to Liverpool's title challenge this season.
»Comments (12) Print This Story Send To A Friend Contact Us galleria zoom Liverpool striker Fernando Torres thinks that Steven Gerrard is "irreplaceable" for the Reds and hopes that his skipper makes a swift return from the hamstring injury that is currently keeping him on the sidelines.
Gerrard suffered a slight tear in his hamstring during Liverpool's recent FA Cup exit at the hands of Everton at Goodison Park, and it is suspected that he will miss around 21 days of action. The Spaniard is hoping that Gerrard's return to fitness will be swifter than that.
"The news was that he would be out for three weeks, but we hope that he’ll be back playing again sooner," Torres told The Liverpool Echo today.
"But you never know how things can turn out with a hamstring injury – and I speak from experience.
"It was a good sign that he asked to be substituted as soon as he felt the twinge. If a hamstring goes completely, you don’t get to walk off the pitch."
Gerrard returned to training at the end of last week, and the initial prognosis of three weeks for his period of absence looks like being correct. The Reds’ Champions League tie with Real Madrid on February 25 has been pencilled in as a possible return date for the 28-year old, whom Torres admits brings more to the Liverpool team than merely his awesome skills.
"I hope and wish that he will be back soon," the Spaniard continued.
"He has no natural replacement. Every side has a main reference, a home-grown player, someone who lives and breathes the club.
"Other players come and go, but that player remains. Here, our reference player is Gerrard. Liverpool FC is Gerrard plus ten more. He’s irreplaceable."
16/02/2009 18:36
Fernando Torres: Liverpool Need Steven Gerrard
The Spain striker thinks that the England midfielder is absolutely vital to Liverpool's title challenge this season.
»Comments (12) Print This Story Send To A Friend Contact Us galleria zoom Liverpool striker Fernando Torres thinks that Steven Gerrard is "irreplaceable" for the Reds and hopes that his skipper makes a swift return from the hamstring injury that is currently keeping him on the sidelines.
Gerrard suffered a slight tear in his hamstring during Liverpool's recent FA Cup exit at the hands of Everton at Goodison Park, and it is suspected that he will miss around 21 days of action. The Spaniard is hoping that Gerrard's return to fitness will be swifter than that.
"The news was that he would be out for three weeks, but we hope that he’ll be back playing again sooner," Torres told The Liverpool Echo today.
"But you never know how things can turn out with a hamstring injury – and I speak from experience.
"It was a good sign that he asked to be substituted as soon as he felt the twinge. If a hamstring goes completely, you don’t get to walk off the pitch."
Gerrard returned to training at the end of last week, and the initial prognosis of three weeks for his period of absence looks like being correct. The Reds’ Champions League tie with Real Madrid on February 25 has been pencilled in as a possible return date for the 28-year old, whom Torres admits brings more to the Liverpool team than merely his awesome skills.
"I hope and wish that he will be back soon," the Spaniard continued.
"He has no natural replacement. Every side has a main reference, a home-grown player, someone who lives and breathes the club.
"Other players come and go, but that player remains. Here, our reference player is Gerrard. Liverpool FC is Gerrard plus ten more. He’s irreplaceable."
Liverpool Hotshot Fernado Torres Insists English Football Improved His Game
The silky Spaniard believes the move to Liverpool and the Premier League has increased his ability more so than if he had stayed at Atletico Madrid and the Primera...
16/02/2009 17:31
Liverpool Hotshot Fernado Torres Insists English Football Improved His Game
The silky Spaniard believes the move to Liverpool and the Premier League has increased his ability more so than if he had stayed at Atletico Madrid and the Primera...
»Comments (5) Print This Story Send To A Friend Contact Us galleria zoom Fernando Torres' nomination for several mid-season individual awards seemingly guaranteed the striker's reputation as one of the best in the business.
He was a potential recipient for the Ballon d'Or in December and the recent FIFA World Player of the Year, as well as ranking third in Goal.com's Greatest Players of 2008.
However, Liverpool's latest idol - who is currently rubbing shoulders with the club's greats after being voted in at 50 of Liverpool's best players - has today revealed that he would have never fulfilled his undoubted potential had he remained at Atletico Madrid.
He told FourFourTwo magazine, "English football has been good to me because of its characteristics: it's fast, direct and there are very few stoppages, and that suits my game more than Spanish football. My natural qualities - the speed, the power - fit the Premier League.
"I play as a no. 9, up alongside the centre-backs. If I played there in Spain, maybe it wouldn't suit me: I would hardly see the ball, I would feel like I wasn't in the game. But it is so quick in England, you know you're always going to get the chance to run in behind the defenders."
He continued, "Liverpool's game is based on the team, on strategy; it's a very strong, well-organised team. Hitting other teams on the counter-attack with space in front of us suits me perfectly."
Torres also paid tribute to master tactician Rafael Benitez, who he credits for helping him with the various tactical refinements to his new role as the club's no. 9.
"Rafa was looking for a striker with my characteristics - someone quick who could surprise defenders and get behind them - but I had to learn too," he explained.
"For a lot of coaches the tactical side of the game doesn't matter that much but for Rafa it is fundamental; he is conscious of the way we set up, the movement, the organisation.
"I've learnt a lot. It's been a real pleasure for me to work with Rafa. At Atletico I played more on instinct, doing my own thing; here I have to learn about movement and positioning, about the team.
"One of the main reasons I arrived at the club was the desire to compete with the best and show that I was good enough to play for the club.
"The fact that the other Spaniards were here was great. The captains have been good too - Jamie Carragher, Sami Hyypia and Steven Gerrard have helped me from day one. And having Rafa made it easier to grasp the tactical side of things," he concluded.
16/02/2009 17:31
Liverpool Hotshot Fernado Torres Insists English Football Improved His Game
The silky Spaniard believes the move to Liverpool and the Premier League has increased his ability more so than if he had stayed at Atletico Madrid and the Primera...
»Comments (5) Print This Story Send To A Friend Contact Us galleria zoom Fernando Torres' nomination for several mid-season individual awards seemingly guaranteed the striker's reputation as one of the best in the business.
He was a potential recipient for the Ballon d'Or in December and the recent FIFA World Player of the Year, as well as ranking third in Goal.com's Greatest Players of 2008.
However, Liverpool's latest idol - who is currently rubbing shoulders with the club's greats after being voted in at 50 of Liverpool's best players - has today revealed that he would have never fulfilled his undoubted potential had he remained at Atletico Madrid.
He told FourFourTwo magazine, "English football has been good to me because of its characteristics: it's fast, direct and there are very few stoppages, and that suits my game more than Spanish football. My natural qualities - the speed, the power - fit the Premier League.
"I play as a no. 9, up alongside the centre-backs. If I played there in Spain, maybe it wouldn't suit me: I would hardly see the ball, I would feel like I wasn't in the game. But it is so quick in England, you know you're always going to get the chance to run in behind the defenders."
He continued, "Liverpool's game is based on the team, on strategy; it's a very strong, well-organised team. Hitting other teams on the counter-attack with space in front of us suits me perfectly."
Torres also paid tribute to master tactician Rafael Benitez, who he credits for helping him with the various tactical refinements to his new role as the club's no. 9.
"Rafa was looking for a striker with my characteristics - someone quick who could surprise defenders and get behind them - but I had to learn too," he explained.
"For a lot of coaches the tactical side of the game doesn't matter that much but for Rafa it is fundamental; he is conscious of the way we set up, the movement, the organisation.
"I've learnt a lot. It's been a real pleasure for me to work with Rafa. At Atletico I played more on instinct, doing my own thing; here I have to learn about movement and positioning, about the team.
"One of the main reasons I arrived at the club was the desire to compete with the best and show that I was good enough to play for the club.
"The fact that the other Spaniards were here was great. The captains have been good too - Jamie Carragher, Sami Hyypia and Steven Gerrard have helped me from day one. And having Rafa made it easier to grasp the tactical side of things," he concluded.
Daniel Agger Wants To Be A Liverpool Legend
Rumours are swirling as to how much longer Daniel Agger will last at Liverpool following his latest comments in the press.The Danish defender is yet to have his contract extended, despite negotiations kicking off last year, while he is becoming increasingly annoyed at his lack of starting opportunities.
But Jan Molby has declared that the 24-year-old, widely regarded as one of the most talented centre-backs in Europe, would like nothing better than to remain at Anfield.
"I know he [Agger] wants to stay in Liverpool and to become a real Liverpool legend. He feels he's at the best possible place to achieve his footballing dreams," the former Red said on the club's official website.
"Prior to his metatarsal injury [last season] he was very, very good in terms of his defending and forward play. He probably hasn't reached that level again since his return – maybe because he hasn't been playing every week – but potentially he is one of the best ball playing central defenders in the world."
Molby spent 12 seasons at Liverpool, between 1984 and 1996, and is often referred to by Kopites as 'the original Xabi Alonso'.
Fernando Torres Defiant Over Liverpool's Title Hopes
'El Nino' reckons the Reds are still well and truly on course for their first English crown since 1990...Liverpool are still hanging around in the title race, as their consecutive wins - against Chelsea and Portsmouth - see them sit just two points behind the Premier League leaders, Manchester United.
It was Fernando Torres' heroics which saw off Pompey and the Blues (and doomed Tony Adams and Luiz Felipe Scolari to the sack), as he struck late in both games to seal nervy wins for victories for the Reds.
Pundits have dubbed the Merseysiders' form since the turn of the year 'unconvincing'; but Torres, while admitting his have had some sticky moments, thinks that it as unfair label.
"We began very well and at the moment we're going through a period which isn't the best," he said on the club's official website.
"But we're not bad, maybe it's just that we're stifled by lesser teams who are happy with a draw. We are better against the big teams and we have to show that against Real Madrid.
"We're getting back players that have been absent with injury like me."
Torres believes it is all a matter of perspective. Liverpool might not be in tip-top touch, but they are in a far better position than they were this time last year.
"It all depends on how you look at things," the Spaniard continued. "You can be pessimistic and think we have been knocked out of the cup and that it was tough for us to win.
"Or you can think positively, which is what I do, and see that we are fighting for the league, that we're in the last 16 of the Champions League, that on the whole we are better than previous years.
"That's what I think."
Torres has endured an injury-riddled campaign, yet he boasts 11 goals so far this season.
Who Is want to reaplece Robbie Keane?
After selling Robbie Keane back to Tottenham Hotspur on the final day of the January transfer window, Liverpool face something of a dilemma regarding the make-up of their squad.
The problem is that Fernando Torres is now essentially the Anfield giants' only first-team striker, unless one takes 19-year-old David N'Gog into consideration.
The Spanish superstar's injury record this season is a cause for concern, however, as his hamstring problems have limited him to just 13 Premier League appearances this term.
Nevertheless, Rafael Benitez believes he has a number of players at his disposal who can ably deputise should 'El Nino' suffer more fitness issues.
When asked if Keane would be sorely missed, the Reds boss said in The Daily Star, “I don’t think so because we have Torres.
“People have been saying, ‘Torres has been injured’, but we also have Dirk Kuyt, Ryan Babel and David N'Gog in the squad.”
Kuyt was a prolific centre-forward once upon a time, and people often forget that he actually scored 14 goals during his first season on Merseyside.
But the Dutchman, like his compatriot Babel (who is highly rated as a striker in his homeland), spends most of his time playing in a wide midfield role these days.
Steven Gerrard has instead partnered Torres in attack most regularly this term, a fact that proved significant in Keane's early exit from the club.
But Benitez has revealed that he has yet another playmaker in his ranks who may be used as a deep-lying forward at some point in the future.
“Yossi Benayoun can play as a second striker, so if we need to change players we can do that,” he said.
The Israeli has endured mixed fortunes since joining Liverpool from West Ham United in 2007, as he has been little more than a bit-part player - albeit a handy one.
While widely recognised as a creative wide-man, the 28-year-old has shown a knack for finding the net during his time at Anfield. He scored 11 goals last season, including a hat-trick against Besiktas in the Champions League.
The problem is that Fernando Torres is now essentially the Anfield giants' only first-team striker, unless one takes 19-year-old David N'Gog into consideration.
The Spanish superstar's injury record this season is a cause for concern, however, as his hamstring problems have limited him to just 13 Premier League appearances this term.
Nevertheless, Rafael Benitez believes he has a number of players at his disposal who can ably deputise should 'El Nino' suffer more fitness issues.
When asked if Keane would be sorely missed, the Reds boss said in The Daily Star, “I don’t think so because we have Torres.
“People have been saying, ‘Torres has been injured’, but we also have Dirk Kuyt, Ryan Babel and David N'Gog in the squad.”
Kuyt was a prolific centre-forward once upon a time, and people often forget that he actually scored 14 goals during his first season on Merseyside.
But the Dutchman, like his compatriot Babel (who is highly rated as a striker in his homeland), spends most of his time playing in a wide midfield role these days.
Steven Gerrard has instead partnered Torres in attack most regularly this term, a fact that proved significant in Keane's early exit from the club.
But Benitez has revealed that he has yet another playmaker in his ranks who may be used as a deep-lying forward at some point in the future.
“Yossi Benayoun can play as a second striker, so if we need to change players we can do that,” he said.
The Israeli has endured mixed fortunes since joining Liverpool from West Ham United in 2007, as he has been little more than a bit-part player - albeit a handy one.
While widely recognised as a creative wide-man, the 28-year-old has shown a knack for finding the net during his time at Anfield. He scored 11 goals last season, including a hat-trick against Besiktas in the Champions League.
Liverpool Transfer Saga A Distant Memory For Aston Villa’s Gareth Barry
One of the most drawn-out football stories from the summer of 2008 was the will-he-won't-he transfer saga of Aston Villa's Gareth Barry to Liverpool. Reports suggest that while the player was keen to make the move, Villa were not so eager to let him go and demanded £18 million for his signature - a fee the Reds were seemingly unwilling to meet.
Looking back over his turbulent summer, Barry is quoted in British tabloid The Daily Mirror as remarking, "The Liverpool thing seems a few years ago now."
The 27-year-old was reportedly suspended by Villa manager Martin O'Neill for requesting a transfer and criticising the club.
However, he insists that is all gone and forgotten, stating, "Me and the manager are both professional people who want the best for Villa and my relationship with the manager is very good."
The England international midfielder also had his captaincy taken away from him but following the injury to Martin Laursen he has been given the extra responsibility once more.
"It can go through your head what others have done to get away from a club, but that was just not the reputation I would have wanted.
"Now I have got the armband back and everyone knows I enjoy captaining Villa. It can raise your game but I know Martin Laursen is still the club captain."
Barry played for Aston Villa the last time they reached the FA Cup final, which was in 2000. They lost to Chelsea 1-0 on that occasion and the midfielder is desperate to the chance to put that right.
"When an FA Cup final comes so early in your career, you are hoping you are going to get those chances regularly. It hasn’t happened but that was a great day. It is certainly something you want to get back to again.
"The FA Cup could be our best chance of silverware. If you look at the UEFA Cup and FA Cup, we will treat them on a par. There is a good chance [of winning] both."
Looking back over his turbulent summer, Barry is quoted in British tabloid The Daily Mirror as remarking, "The Liverpool thing seems a few years ago now."
The 27-year-old was reportedly suspended by Villa manager Martin O'Neill for requesting a transfer and criticising the club.
However, he insists that is all gone and forgotten, stating, "Me and the manager are both professional people who want the best for Villa and my relationship with the manager is very good."
The England international midfielder also had his captaincy taken away from him but following the injury to Martin Laursen he has been given the extra responsibility once more.
"It can go through your head what others have done to get away from a club, but that was just not the reputation I would have wanted.
"Now I have got the armband back and everyone knows I enjoy captaining Villa. It can raise your game but I know Martin Laursen is still the club captain."
Barry played for Aston Villa the last time they reached the FA Cup final, which was in 2000. They lost to Chelsea 1-0 on that occasion and the midfielder is desperate to the chance to put that right.
"When an FA Cup final comes so early in your career, you are hoping you are going to get those chances regularly. It hasn’t happened but that was a great day. It is certainly something you want to get back to again.
"The FA Cup could be our best chance of silverware. If you look at the UEFA Cup and FA Cup, we will treat them on a par. There is a good chance [of winning] both."
Torres Bring Liverpool Beat Chelsea
A late double from Fernando Torres was enough for Liverpool to secure three vital Premier League points against Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.The first half was a quiet affair, with Blues keeper Petr Cech the busier of the two shot stoppers as he saved efforts from Xabi Alonso, Javier Mascherano and Albert Riera as Chelsea struggled to assert themselves.
After the break, Liverpool continued to have the better of the play, although they were unable to create many clear opportunities. But there was controversy on the hour mark when Frank Lampard was sent off for Chelsea after a lunge on Alonso and from that point onwards, the home side launched an assault on Cech’s goal.
And they got their rewards with just one minute of normal time left to play, when Fernando Torres met Fabio Aurelio’s cross and scored with a near post header. Then, in the third minute of stoppage time, the Spaniard capitalised on an error from Ashley Cole to net a second and re-claim second place in the table for his side.
Team News
Robbie Keane was yet again left out of Liverpool’s 18-man matchday squad, which will surely prompt further speculation over his future at Anfield.
Xabi Alonso, Dirk Kuyt and Albert Riera came into the side for the Reds, who made three changes from the side that drew with Wigan Athletic as Lucas, Yossi Benayoun and Ryan Babel dropped out. The alterations saw manager Rafael Benitez revert to what he sees as the club's full-strength line-up.
There were no surprises in the Chelsea team, with Luiz Felipe Scolari making no changes from the starting XI that defeated Middlesbrough in midweek. Alex continued to deputise for Ricardo Carvalho in defence, while Nicolas Anelka was preferred to Didier Drogba in the lone striking role.
First Half
Alonso had the first meaningful effort of the match in the 11th minute. After receiving the ball from Kuyt on the right, the Spaniard took a touch and shot at power from 25 yards – forcing Blues keeper Petr Cech to tip the ball over the crossbar.
Mascherano had an effort from even further out eight minutes later, but despite Cech, the Czech Republic international, spilling the Argentine’s shot, no home players were following in.
Then, Alex did well to block a Fernando Torres effort on the half-hour mark as Liverpool made most of the early running, although clear-cut chances were few and far between.
Chelsea introduced themselves as an attacking threat slightly more as the half progressed, John Terry heading over the bar from a corner and Anelka being well denied by a Martin Skrtel block, but Scolari’s men were non-existent as an attacking force for the majority of the opening 45 minutes.
It was the home side who came the closest to scoring towards the end of the half. Riera picked up possession in oceans of space, muscled past Michael Ballack when a challenge finally arrived, and shot across the face of goal from twenty yards. Cech made the save, but again he was unable to hold the ball, which cannoned back off Ashley Cole and could easily have ended up in his own goal.
Fortunately for Cole and the Blues, though, it fell narrowly wide and the sides went in at the half-time interval with the scores still level.
Second Half
The Reds started the second half brightly. Kuyt hooked a shot wide after Alex failed to deal with a Steven Gerrard corner before the defender redeemed himself moments later when he thwarted Torres for the second time in the match with an important block after the Spain striker found some space in the Chelsea box.
Alvaro Arbeloa shot forced Cech into a near post save after a raid down the Liverpool right, with only one team looking like they were set-up to try and win the game.
The match took a dramatic turn on the hour mark as Frank Lampard was sent off for a lunge on Alonso. Lampard’s studs were raised, but it did seem like the England midfielder won the ball from the Spaniard and Chelsea’s players and Lampard clearly did not agree with the decision of referee Mike Riley, who instantly produced a red card.
Liverpool continued their dominance after the sending off as an Alonso effort from 18 yards struck Alex, who threw himself in front of the shot, onto the crossbar, before Cech dealt with the re-bounding ball.
In the 73rd minute, Torres found space with the Chelsea defence in disarray following a Gerrard corner, but Jon Obi Mikel made a crucial clearance to deny the Spaniard, the shot looking like it was set to find the far corner.
Salomon Kalou shot straight at Liverpool keeper Jose Reina in the 77th minute as Chelsea enjoyed their only meaningful attack of the half, before substitute Yossi Benayoun came close with two efforts, one saved by Cech and another from the edge of the penalty area looping just over.
But just as it was starting to look like the home side would be held to their fifth consecutive draw, Kuyt and Gerrard combined before the Liverpool captain fed the ball out to Fabio Aurelio on the left.
Aurelio had time and sent in a cross towards the near post, which Torres, having got in front of his marker, Alex, met with a powerful header that was too good for Cech – sending the Kop into raptures.
And to rub salt into 10-man Chelsea’s wounds, in the third minute of stoppage time, Ashley Cole was robbed by Benayoun inside his own penalty area, but as he tried to tackle the Israel winger, he only succeeded in playing the ball into the path of Torres, who comfortably slotted past Cech to put the icing on the cake for Liverpool.
Keane Back To Spurs ?
As the feverish hysteria grows as the minutes and seconds until the end of this January's transfer window tick down, and the rush to get deals closed before the deadline becomes ever more intense, a surprising rumour has emerged in England that Robbie Keane could well be on his way back to north London.
Sky Sports News is reporting that Liverpool are in talks with Tottenham Hotspur about a possible deal for the misfit striker.
Details as yet are sketchy, but further news will follow as soon as anything is confirmed, although the sports broadcaster reports its sources as claiming that there is "40 per cent chance" of a deal.
The striker, signed by the Reds for £20 million in the summer, was left out of the Liverpool squad that triumphed over Chelsea 2-0 today, prompting yet more speculation that he was on his way out of Anfield.
With Jermain Defoe now out for at least three months with a broken foot, Tottenham once again find themselves in the hunt for a goalscorer, and in desperation seemed to have turned to the man who left them for his 'dream club' in the summer.
Sky Sports News is reporting that Liverpool are in talks with Tottenham Hotspur about a possible deal for the misfit striker.
Details as yet are sketchy, but further news will follow as soon as anything is confirmed, although the sports broadcaster reports its sources as claiming that there is "40 per cent chance" of a deal.
The striker, signed by the Reds for £20 million in the summer, was left out of the Liverpool squad that triumphed over Chelsea 2-0 today, prompting yet more speculation that he was on his way out of Anfield.
With Jermain Defoe now out for at least three months with a broken foot, Tottenham once again find themselves in the hunt for a goalscorer, and in desperation seemed to have turned to the man who left them for his 'dream club' in the summer.
If Agger Leaves Liverpool,Hyypia will stay for One More Year
According to The Daily Mail, Liverpool are set to offer Sami Hyypia a 12-month extension to his current contract as a safeguard against the possible departure of Daniel Agger.The 35-year-old has been used extensively this season in Martin Skrtel's absence and has shown that, while not quite the player he was at his peak, he is still a valuable asset at the heart of the Reds' defence.
May will mark the 10th anniversary of the Finnish international's arrival at Anfield, and the Kopites would be overjoyed at the decision to extend his stay.
Agger, meanwhile, has impressed since returning to the first team after spending the first few months of the campaign on the bench, but his future at Anfield is in doubt due to contract issues.Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is eager to tie down the 24-year-old with a new deal, but the player's wage demands of £60,000 per week are proving something of a sticking point.
Negotiations have stalled for the time being, and that has only increased speculation that AC Milan could sign the elegant centre-half, even though their recent €8.5 million bid was rejected
Toress and all players suport benitez
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has been plastered all over the headlines in recent times, but more for his tactical decisions off the pitch than on it.The Spaniard stunned England last week when he unleashed a stinging tirade at Sir Alex Ferguson, claiming that the Manchester United boss was unpunishable despite constantly complaining about referees and fixture lists and so on.
Some have suggested that this ploy could work against the Reds, particularly after their frustrating draw against Stoke City at the weekend.
But Fernando Torres, Benitez's star recruit, has insisted that the entire squad is behind the gaffer.
"He thinks he had to say those things about Ferguson and he has our support, we are with our manager," the 24-year-old said in The Guardian.
And why wouldn't they back a man who has led Liverpool to undoubtedly their best-ever start to a Premier League campaign?
Even after Saturday's stalemate in Staffordshire, the Merseyside giants hold a four-point lead as they chase their long-awaited 19th English championship.
And Torres reckons there is no manager on the planet who is more capable of bringing to title back to Anfield, pointing to his exploits in Spain.
"Of course [BenÃtez] is as good as anyone," the European Championship winner said. "He can compete with anyone, he won the Spanish league with Valencia after 15 years [their first title in 31 years, actually].
"Real Madrid and Barcelona were fighting for the title and he arrived in his first season and won the title. This is very difficult in Spain. Now he has to do the same thing with Liverpool."
