ONE OF SOCCER'S FEW REDEEMING FEATURES...:

Torres lights up Anfield with his sheer brilliance (James Lawton, 11 March 2009, Independent)

Rafa Benitez no doubt mentioned it to all his players. It was time to lay down a little bit of intimidation, the kind that might reach into every corner of Europe. But then, who knows, he might have had a special word with Fernando Torres.

What isn't in doubt is that in the kind of form which washed like breaking surf over his old Madrid rivals Real here last night Torres could scare the life out of any team who happens to stand in Liverpool's path – even the one which threatens to dress them down at Old Trafford at the weekend.

Last summer Torres made the case for himself as the game's outstanding striker in Spain's European Championship triumph. Against Real, the former Atletico striker made a similar announcement.

...is his play. Unlike the guys who can only score on penalty and free kicks, he actually creates goals in open play.

Posted by Orrin Judd at March 10, 2009 8:40 PM