Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has hinted that Fernando Torres' return to action will spur Steven Gerrard to new heights of excellence.
With Torres missing three weeks due to a torn hamstring, the pressure was heaped back upon Gerrard to be Liverpool's main man. It is a role he is used, and one he has performed brilliantly throughout his career, but itse physical toll has been evident over the last month.
But 'El Nino' is back in action, having returned as a susbstitute against West Bromwich Albion at the weekend, meaning the skipper has his partner-in-crime by his side - or, more accurately, just ahead of him - once more.
"It is clear to me that Gerrard's level will improve now Torres is available again," Benitez said in the Daily Mail.
"You can see Stevie is a bit tired after putting so much in over the past few weeks but having Torres around will help him.
"Apart from all the things Torres brings to the side on his own he will be another outlet for Stevie, another target who will benefit from the accuracy of his passing."
However, with Robbie Keane hitting form and Xabi Alonso performing so consistently in midfield, there is the possibility that Gerrard could be afforded a recuperative spell on the sidelines.
Benitez added: "Ideally, Stevie could do with a bit of a rest but maybe it will be easier to do that with Fernando back."
With Torres missing three weeks due to a torn hamstring, the pressure was heaped back upon Gerrard to be Liverpool's main man. It is a role he is used, and one he has performed brilliantly throughout his career, but itse physical toll has been evident over the last month.
But 'El Nino' is back in action, having returned as a susbstitute against West Bromwich Albion at the weekend, meaning the skipper has his partner-in-crime by his side - or, more accurately, just ahead of him - once more.
"It is clear to me that Gerrard's level will improve now Torres is available again," Benitez said in the Daily Mail.
"You can see Stevie is a bit tired after putting so much in over the past few weeks but having Torres around will help him.
"Apart from all the things Torres brings to the side on his own he will be another outlet for Stevie, another target who will benefit from the accuracy of his passing."
However, with Robbie Keane hitting form and Xabi Alonso performing so consistently in midfield, there is the possibility that Gerrard could be afforded a recuperative spell on the sidelines.
Benitez added: "Ideally, Stevie could do with a bit of a rest but maybe it will be easier to do that with Fernando back."
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