Source: Liverpool_Echo
Steven Gerrard issues warning for defences around Europe: Liverpool FC latest
Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres[LNB]STEVEN GERRARD today served an ominous warning for defences around Europe when he claimed they have yet to see the best of Fernando Torres.[LNB]The Reds overturned a 1-0 first leg deficit with a professional performance against Lille last night, booking their place in the Europa League's last eight thanks to the skipper's penalty and a double from Torres.[LNB]Though injuries have ravaged his season, Torres has still been able to move his tally on to 17 in just 27 appearances and looks to be finding his form at just the right time, particularly with a trip to Old Trafford on Sunday looming.[LNB]It has left Gerrard optimistic the end to the campaign could yet see Liverpool finish in the Champions League places and, perhaps, go all the way to the Europa League final - aims that will be all the more realistic if Torres remains in such form.[LNB]'There is lot more to come from Fernando in a Liverpool shirt, believe me,' said Gerrard. 'He had been out a long time so it was only natural that it was going to take him a few games to find his rhythm but he is closing in on that now and it is fantastic for the team. If we can keep him fit and firing, we'll have a really big chance of achieving what we want to and you could see against Lille that he is looking sharp. The goals will have done him the world of good.[LNB]'He is world class, it's as simple as that. When he is playing like that, it doesn't just give the crowd a lift. It lifts us and it causes the players he comes up against to think twice about how they deal with him. He's finding form at just the right time.'[LNB]Gerrard set the ball rolling with a penalty in the ninth minute and clearly enjoyed reviving his partnership with Torres, whose performance received a standing ovation from an Anfield gallery that included Diego Maradona.[LNB]It was not, though, a one-man show, as there were also key contributions from Lucas, who won the spot-kick that Gerrard converted.
