Fernando Torres can get even better, says Rafael Benitez

11 April 2012

Fernando Torres' two goals were the difference between defeat and a 3-2 Barclays Premier League win for Liverpool at West Ham - but manager Rafael Benitez remains confident the best is yet to come from his compatriot.

Torres' interventions kept the Reds in the thick of the developing race at the top of the table on Saturday, when Arsenal - who thrashed Wigan 4-0 at the Emirates Stadium - were the only other obvious title aspirants in action.

Torres struck first in the 19th minute, but Alessandro Diamanti was fortunate to level from the penalty spot after slipping as he struck the ball. Dirk Kuyt put Liverpool back in front five minutes before the break, only for Carlton Cole to equalise for a second time on the stroke of half-time.

That left Torres to head the winner in the 75th minute, delighting Benitez.

"If he continues to play like that, he can be one of the best," he said.

"When you talk about the Premier League you talk about a lot of players with quality, so it is not easy to pick just one - but he is among the best.

"He is a very good player, and it is easy to see his qualities. If he is keen to learn, he will improve."

West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola said of Torres: "He is a great striker; he is not easy to mark.

"It is not easy to defend against players like him."

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