Source: SKY_Sports
Carra - Strike duo are key
Jamie Carragher feels keeping Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres fit will be key to Liverpool's hopes of winning the Premier League this season.
Liverpool came close to ending their title drought, which stretches back to 1990, last term after pushing Manchester United all the way.
The form of Gerrard and Torres, who endured an injury-hit first half of the campaign, was instrumental in the Reds' title bid and Carragher acknowledged the importance of his team-mates.
"No other team in England has a partnership like Gerrard and Torres," said Carragher.
"It's strange to be talking about Stevie as a striker now, but that's what he's become, and in that position, just behind the main forward, there is no one better.
"In fact, there is no better strike pairing in the world than Gerrard and Torres. They can tear defences wide open in a split second.
"When you have that kind of ability in your team it gives you incredible belief. If we can keep them both free of injury then we are going to take some stopping. There were times last year when we went into games without them and it showed.
"It was great to see them both sign new contracts this summer - they are the most important players in our team.
"If they stay fit and continue to improve then I think we will go very close. We all hope this will be our year, but we'll have to play as well as we did last season and turn the draws that damaged us into wins."
Pleased for Owen
Meanwhile, Carragher believes rivals United have pulled off a 'clever piece of business' by signing former Liverpool striker Michael Owen on a free transfer.
He told the Sunday Mirror: "Signing Michael Owen was a clever piece of business by United and he has started really well in pre-season.
"In a way I'm pleased he's got a big move to a big club because he came in for a lot of criticism at Newcastle.
"Why? What did he do wrong up there?
"For me, Michael Owen is still a great player and great role model and I have this feeling he'll be good for United.
"But he plays for our biggest rivals now, so he'll know I won't want him to carry on scoring once the season starts."
