Source: Daily_Mail
Torres is simply the best! Rafa hails Liverpool striker ahead of trip to United
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez believes striker Fernando Torres is hitting top form at just the right time with a trip to Manchester United looming on Sunday. [LNB] The Spain international's two goals in last night's 3-0 Europa League victory over Lille took his tally to four in his last two matches, having scored twice in Monday's 4-1 win over Portsmouth. [LNB]Torres now has 17 for the season, of which 15 have come in the Barclays Premier League, from just 27 appearances having missed five weeks after a knee operation. [LNB] On target: Torres scored in Liverpool's win over Lille on Thursday night [LNB] [LNB]Liverpool are on a three-match winning run against their arch-rivals and Benitez believes with Torres looking close to his deadliest best they have every chance of winning at Old Trafford for the second successive year. [LNB]'He is a very good player and a good finisher and you could see against Lille he made the difference,' said the Liverpool manager. [LNB]'When the other team were pushing they were a little bit long and he had the space and he can beat anyone running and dribbling - he is very good. [LNB] Making the difference: Liverpool striker Fernando Torres [LNB]'When you are not playing well Fernando can sometimes make the difference and when you are playing well you know Fernando, (Steven) Gerrard or the other offensive players will be there.' [LNB]Benitez tried to play down the obvious psychological advantage Torres will have over Nemanja Vidic - the Serbian has been sent-off on his last three appearances against Liverpool - when the pair meet again on Sunday but will privately hope that continues at Old Trafford. [LNB]'When Fernando is fully fit he is a threat for all defenders and can beat anyone,' said the Reds boss. 'Vidic is a good player with experience so it will be tough for Torres.' [LNB] Falling foul to Torres: Vidic has been sent off in his last three appearances against Liverpool [LNB]Gerrard is convinced Torres, who celebrates his 26th birthday tomorrow, will get even better. And the England midfielder admits even someone with his experience is lifted by the sight of him firing on all cylinders. [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. [LNB]'If we can keep him fit and firing, we'll have a really big chance of achieving what we want to. '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 was also among the goalscorers in last season's 4-1 victory at Old Trafford, helping break Benitez's four-year duck at the home of their biggest rivals. [LNB]And despite also beating them 2-0 at Anfield back in October the Reds captain knows United, chasing a record-breaking 20th title to go past Liverpool's tally, will be a difficult prospect. [LNB]'Every time you go to Old Trafford, you expect a tough game but we are going in on the back of two good performances," he told the Liverpool Echo. [LNB]'This will be a completely different game. They are the league leaders but we will give it a really good go.' [LNB] Benfica hold no worries for Liverpool defender Daniel Agger in Europa LeagueVIDEO SPECIAL: Fulham join Manchester United, Liverpool and Middlesbrough in English football's greatest European comebacks Benitez blasts Albert Reira for timing of his Liverpool 'sinking ship' comments LIVERPOOL FC
