Benitez praises Ngog for emerging from the shadow of Liverpool star Torres

04 December 2009 13:27
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has praised the way in which 20-year-old David Ngog has emerged from the considerable shadow of injury-stricken Fernando Torres.[LNB]Torres made just one appearance in November because of a groin injury, as Liverpool's hopes of silverware this season hung by a thread. [LNB]However, the despair of crashing out of the Champions League and falling off the pace in the Premier League was tempered by the improvement shown by the Spaniard's understudy, Ngog. [LNB] Teacher/pupil: Ngog (right) has been learning from Torres (left)[LNB]'I think he is doing well because everyone has been talking about Torres,' Benitez said. 'So to play in his position, work hard and score goals is difficult.[LNB]'When people talk about Torres, you know the next striker will always be in a bad position.[LNB]'But Ngog is working very hard, he has good movement and technique, and is scoring goals. For a young player, you cannot expect any more from him.'[LNB]Ngog joined the Merseysiders from Paris Saint Germain in July 2008 and has gone on to make more than 30 appearances for the club. This season has seen him accelerate his development, hitting five goals and two in his last four appearances. [LNB] Hero: Ngog sealed all three points for Liverpool against Manchester United[LNB]'When we signed him, we were talking about him playing maybe five to 10 games a season, 15-20 maximum,' Benitez added. 'Now he is playing a lot of games, which is very good for him and the team also.[LNB]'Sometimes for a young player it can be difficult because you have to fight with two strong centre-backs in difficult games.'[LNB]'But he has scored some goals and has given us some options in attack.  We are watching the progression of a very good young player.'[LNB]Benitez believes the key to Ngog's progression has been the willingness to shown on from the much-decorated Torres. [LNB]'He likes to train and learn,' the manager said. 'We were doing training sessions with him and Torres and they were working together on some movements. He is someone who is keen to learn.[LNB]'Always when you talk about young players, you talk about the price, so when you put everything together, he is a very good signing.'[LNB] Blackburn beware: Torres set for return in Gerrard's 500th game for LiverpoolLiverpool can't win it, says Gerrard: But 'Scouser' Torres promises to stay loyalCOMPETITION: Win a shirt signed by Real star Ronaldo or Barca's Messi ALL THE LIVERPOOL FC

Source: Daily_Mail