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Benitez hails rejuvenated Torres

(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-09-21 09:15

LONDON: Rafael Benitez believes Fernando Torres is nearing a return to his best form after the Spanish striker scored twice in Liverpool's 3-2 victory over West Ham.

Torres's goals - he opened the scoring in the 20th minute and clinched the victory 15 minutes from time - were crucial after Benitez's side twice conceded the lead against a determined West Ham.

The manager accepted that defensive errors had almost cost his team victory but was delighted that Torres appears to have shrugged off the lingering hangover of last year's extended season that included a trip to the Confederations Cup with his country.

"Last week he was not scoring goals and everyone was asking me whether he is fit," said Benitez.

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"This week he scored two important goals and I was also really pleased with him against Debrecen in the Champions League game because he was working very hard.

"Touch wood. I think he is now fit and we are working hard with him. If he can continue playing like today he will be one of the best. In the Premier League, you are talking about a lot of players with quality but he is one of the best, yes."

Benitez has no doubt about the value of his star goalscorer and believes Torres's performances since arriving in a 24-million-pound ($39 million) switch from Atletico Madrid two years ago means he now looks a bargain.

"He was cheap," said the manager. "Very cheap. So we are happy, not just because of the price and the things he can do on the pitch. It is also because his behavior is very professional."

AFP