Torres a legend in waiting for Rush
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Article summary
Ahead of Liverpool FC's last-eight game at Arsenal FC, Anfield legend Ian Rush told uefa.com that he feels Fernando Torres can become a "really special" talent.
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Deadly combination
Rush, who scored 346 goals in 660 games during 14 years with Liverpool – winning the European Champion Clubs' Cup in 1984 – is convinced Torres has the talent to lead Liverpool to similar success. "Torres has something that can make him really special," the 46-year-old said. "He's got pace and can score goals and when you've got pace and can kick with both feet, like he can, you are always going to cause the opposition problems. Defenders don't actually know which foot he is going to kick with. That's what makes him special."
Impressive record
The 24-year-old former Club Atlético de Madrid prodigy has already scored 28 goals in his first season in England – and with 21 top-flight strikes after Sunday's Merseyside derby winner against Everton FC, he is the first Liverpool player to reach two decades in the Premier League since Robbie Fowler in 1995/96. For Rush, the Spanish international is among the best forwards seen at Anfield since he left in 1995. "He has been fantastic and he has probably been a revelation to tell you the truth," he said. "If he does the same thing next season and the season after then you've got to compare him with the Fowlers and the [Michael] Owens."
Tight contest
Rush hopes Torres will be on song again against Arsenal, beginning with Wednesday's first-leg tie in London. "I think the game will be really tight and Liverpool will have the advantage simply because of the second leg," he said. "I think they will go to Arsenal in the first game and just try to contain them. If you let Arsenal play, they're a joy to watch and I feel Liverpool's job will be to try and stop them playing. If they can get a draw, I think they can win back at Anfield. The atmosphere and the support Liverpool will have there will give them a head start."
Ambitions
Having witnessed Liverpool lifting the UEFA Champions League trophy in 2005 before returning to the final last year, Rush can see manager Rafael Benítez delivering more progress in Europe – and ultimately in the Premier League too. He said: "As a coach, I think he is great. Obviously the European style he seems to have got off to a tee. What he does in Europe is fantastic and he is now looking to try and get them in a good position in the league. They have to really as that's what the supporters want."