Rafa's warning

The Liverpool boss believes Torres isn't fully fit yet as his Euro 2008 heroics and recent hamstring injury have hampered him. However, a double against Everton on Saturday shows the striker is coming into form and Rafa Benitez expects further improvement.

"Torres knows he can improve a lot. The main thing for me is his mentality is really good," he said.

"He is trying to improve especially in the areas where he has to improve - at this moment in time physically. You need time but he is working so hard and he will be better.

"There were three players coming back from the Olympic games and the Spanish players coming back from the European Championships.

"It was important for some of them to rest or to train properly. Torres was injured and that was another problem.

"I think he is more or less the same as last season. The only thing he is missing now is his physical condition. He will get better and better and he will be stronger for sure. I think he is a nice boy and a good professional. He knows he can improve. I think he is very humble."