Youngsters Key As Benitez Plans Prosperous Liverpool Future

Rafa Benitez is planning for the Reds’ future, despite doubts over his Anfield future and says that youth development will be key to success.

Benitez has secured the future of important players such as Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard and hopes to tie up deals with Pepe Reina and Javier Mascherano next month.

Liverpool boss Benitez said, "It was the idea last year to extend contracts,

"It is the same this year to guarantee the spine of the team is there and, afterwards, try to bring in some good players to hopefully improve.

"With some players we are looking two or three years ahead, you have to be ready and prepare more or less the squad.

"In terms of the first team, to guarantee the extension of some players is enough to bring in the right players.

"We are always planning for the future. You can make mistakes but at least you have a plan.

"So if we don't make mistakes in the transfer window or if the [new] players settle down with this group of players we have at the moment we will improve."

As part of the contract that Benitez signed last summer to keep him at Anfield, he will also oversee the entire youth development of the club. It is a critical part of Liverpool’s future success in the eyes of the Spaniard.

Benitez continued, "This is the first year I am in charge of the academy and we are trying to improve and bring players from the academy," he added.

"We need some time. The reserve team are doing well so these players will be the future of the club."

Return Of Injured Stars Gives Benitez Confidence Of European Success

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez was upbeat about the Reds’ chances going into Thursday’s Europa League clash with Benfica having seen the successful return from injury of Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Glen Johnson.

The Europa League represents Liverpool’s only remaining chance of silverware this season. They go into the quarter-final clash with Portuguese giants Benfica having beaten Sunderland 3-0 with goals from Torres and Johnson who have only recently returned from a spell on the sidelines.

With captain Steven Gerrard also coming back to form after a spell out, Benitez is happy with his options.

The Spanish boss said, "If they can stay fit I think it will be very important because you have more options,

"When you have two games a week it is important to have different players available so you can change the system and you can keep the tempo.

"It is really important to have Fernando, Gerrard and Maxi available.”

Focusing in particular on Liverpool's scorers against Sunderland, Benitez continued, "I can see Fernando is focused and he wants to do well. We are surprised sometimes by what he can do but my idea is that he can improve.

"He knows how to get better. Two goals and a great performance again against Sunderland is what the team needed.

"Johnson is an attacking defender and sometimes when you have the team playing well at home and everyone is going forward he can be a real threat.

"He had one or two chances against Sunderland and he was very dangerous down the right side."

Liverpool Line Up Summer Bid For Spanish Star

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has stepped up the chase for Athletic Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez.

Martinez, 21, has been on Liverpool's radar for the past two seasons but Benitez is putting together his hit-list for next season.

Liverpool sent a scout to watch Martinez at Atletico Madrid last Thursday and Bilbao are well aware of Benitez's interest.

Bilbao coach Joaquin Caparros said: "Javier is a monster of a player and can go very far."

Alberto Aquilani: I Love Everything About Liverpool & England Except The Weather

Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani is settling quickly on Merseyside and is very happy playing his football in England, but has one major gripe: the weather.

But that hasn't put him off his new life in England, after switching from the sunny Italian capital last summer.

"I like everything in England, I just don't like the weather," he told LFC Magazine.

"I like the people, the supporters, the city and playing here. And I want to play well here."

The Italian is also hoping that he continues to make progress with his improving English.

"But I don't speak English very well. Now I understand more than I did before but I have to improve," he explained.

"At first I had regular English lessons but it has been difficult more recently and my English teacher is angry about this!

"It has been difficult because at one time my family were here so I couldn't do the lesson, another time we had too many games."

Benitez Ser To Utilize All His Weapons

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is looking forward to utilizing all his attacking options for their crucial Barclays Premier League run-in.

The team rightly received plaudits for their performance, particularly in the first half, against Sunderland at the weekend when they played a brand of football which had been missing for most of the season.

Deploying Steven Gerrard in a more orthodox central midfield position but with license to roam forward allowed Benitez to field Maxi Rodriguez, Dirk Kuyt, Ryan Babel and Fernando Torres in front of the Reds captain.

And with full-backs Glen Johnson and Emiliano Insua providing more width down the flanks the Black Cats were torn apart with a high-tempo passing game which could have produced half a dozen goals.

It is unlikely Benitez will be so bold in all six of their remaining league matches - particularly at Birmingham on Sunday and at home to Chelsea on the penultimate weekend of the season - but the Reds boss feels having plenty of choices could be key to them securing fourth place.

"If they can stay fit I think it will be very important because you have more options," said Benitez, whose side travel to Lisbon on Wednesday for the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final against Benfica on Thursday.

"When you have two games a week it is important to have different players available so you can change the system and you can keep the tempo.

"It is really important to have Fernando, Gerrard and Maxi available.

"I can see Fernando is focused and he wants to do well. We are surprised sometimes by what he can do but my idea is that he can improve.

"He knows how to get better. Two goals and a great performance again against Sunderland is what the team needed.

"Johnson is an attacking defender and sometimes when you have the team playing well at home and everyone is going forward he can be a real threat.

"He had one or two chances against Sunderland and he was very dangerous down the right side."

Liverpool have the easiest-looking run-in of all the Champions League-chasing sides but they are still four points behind fourth-placed Tottenham having played more matches than their rivals.

Benitez knows Liverpool's fate is currently out of their hands but he expects that to change, especially with Spurs having to play Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United in a 10-day spell and City still to face the Gunners, United, Spurs and Aston Villa.

"At this moment we have to concentrate on what we can change now - to play well on the pitch and try to be as close as possible to the top four and progress in the Europa League and the other things will come," said the Spaniard.

"I think it depends on us. If we keep winning our games - there are difficult games - we will be closer and every week will be different.

"Sunday at Birmingham will be tough but if we can win our games I think they (Tottenham, City and Villa) will lose some points and I think we can be there."

The Liverpool manager has complete belief in the players which struggled earlier this season on the way to 10 Barclays Premier League defeats - eight more than in the previous campaign.

"Always you can have a bad season but you can see from the reaction of the players they are fighting and trying," he said.

"The players are focused and training well and the preparation was similar so it is just trying to get the confidence higher.

"The players knew before the Sunderland victory (that their remaining games would be crucial) but when you are trying to play well and trying to win and cannot then the confidence is a little bit low.

"But we didn't change too many things [against Sunderland]. It was because everyone was doing well and at the end that was positive because it was contagious.

"It is very important the players are playing well together and a clean sheet meant everything was positive.

"We have had some good games in the past but maybe this one, when you put together the first half and part of the second half, it was maybe one of the best performances this season."

Glen Johnson: I'm Getting Back To My Best

Liverpool defender Glen Johnson believes he is getting back to his best after his goal-scoring display in Sunday’s 3-0 triumph over Sunderland.

The England right-back missed two-and-a-half months of the season with a knee injury and has taken time to rediscover his form since returning to action in the defeat at Wigan earlier this month.

However, Johnson starred against the Black Cats as he scored for the first time in front of the Kop and created the Reds’ third for Fernando Torres.

“It was a fantastic feeling to score my first goal in front of the Kop,” he said, according to the Liverpool Echo.

“I cut inside and wanted to get a clean strike at goal and it was nice to see it go in with my left foot.

“I’m feeling good again. It’s not easy to come back when you’ve been out for so long but with every game my fitness is getting better.”

Victory kept Liverpool’s hopes of Champions League qualification alive and with six games to play they are four points adrift of fourth placed Tottenham, who have a game in hand.

Dirk: Fitness Key To Success

Dirk Kuyt believes a fit and firing squad can propel Liverpool to a successful conclusion to 2009-10.

Sunday's 3-0 dismantling of Sunderland was arguably one of Reds' most fluent performances of the season so far.

And Kuyt feels the return of key players from injury has been instrumental in helping Rafa Benitez's side produce the kind of attacking verve that has seen 10 goals scored in their last three Anfield matches.

"It's hard to explain why we can't play like we did against Sunderland every week, but now more or less everyone is fit," said the Holland forward.

"There are no injuries. Fernando is back, Stevie is over his injuries and that makes a lot of difference. For any top side it would be very difficult without these top players in your side.

"They are coming back and scoring very important goals and that helps the team as well."

Liverpool are currently sixth in the Barclays Premier League table, four points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur having played a game more.

The Reds have just six league fixtures remaining in the race for Champions League football, and Kuyt reckons their current form gives them a good chance of securing a top four finish.

"We have to try and push to finish fourth. We are behind and we know it will be hard but what we have to do is win our own games and keep going from there," he said.

"The most important thing is last season around this time the team was playing very well, the results were good and this season everyone knows what has happened.

"Every player in this team has had bad moments and we are all trying to leave these moments behind us and keep going. We struggled a bit during the season, but we don't have time to look back on these things - we have to look forward."

Kuyt added: "These are six very important games now. Hopefully we can win those and at the end of the day it will be enough.

"I think the whole team has shown character. You cannot blame the team for not showing that. We have shown it many, many times."

For the moment, attentions will now turn to the Europa League and Thursday's quarter-final, first leg clash with Benfica in Portugal.

"All the games between now and the end of the season will be very important. We want to win something but we also want to play Champions League football next season," said Kuyt.

"Benfica are a very good team, they are top of league in Portugal. They have good forwards. Hopefully we can finish fourth and win a trophy this season."

Boss Hails Stopper

John McMahon hailed the performance of goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi after the Hungarian made a number of crucial saves during the Reserves' 2-1 win over Bolton Wanderers on Monday night.

Both the goals came in the second half through substitute David Ngog and an OG from Bolton skipper Rhys Bennett, but Gulacsi made several important stops when the scoreline was still 0-0.

"Peter is fantastic to have in the team," McMahon told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"He is very reliable and he made some great saves for us. I felt for him at the end when we conceded a late goal because he prides himself on clean sheets and to be honest he deserved one.

"We had to work very hard for the three points. We kept going and showed a good attitude. We tried to do the right things but Bolton made it tough for us. Full credit to them, they were competitive and worked really hard.

"Dani Pacheco was man marked throughout the game and it was a good learning curve for him how to cope in different situations."

The Reds extended their unbeaten run to 16 games and moved to within three points of leaders Manchester United at the top of the Barclays Premier Reserve League North with the win.

"We had a better mentality and desire than we showed against Wigan so that was pleasing, but some of our play still needs to improve," added McMahon.

"We are on a really good run so full credit to the lads but we need to keep it going."

McMahon also had words of encouragement for Academy starlet Alex Cooper who made a great impact when he came off the bench to set up the opening goal for Ngog.

"Alex came on and was strong," he said. "He used the ball intelligently and full credit to him because he did really well for the goal."

Ngog Downs Trotters

Liverpool Reserves moved to within three points of leaders Manchester United at the top of the Barclays Premier Reserve League North after a 2-1 victory over Bolton Wanderers at the County Ground on Monday evening.

First-team striker David Ngog, on as a half-time substitute, netted with 18 minutes remaining to break the deadlock in a tense contest in Lancashire.

And the Reds' advantage was doubled soon after as Bolton captain Rhys Bennett deflected Gerardo Bruna's free-kick beyond his own goalkeeper.

Zoltan Harsanyi reduced the arrears in stoppage time, but John McMahon's men held out to cut the gap on pacesetters United at the top of the table - and the Reds still have two games in hand.

Liverpool kicked off in Leyland looking to extend their incredible 15-game unbeaten run and complete a hat-trick of victories over the Trotters this season, having already beaten them in the league and the Lancashire Senior Cup.

And the team selection reflected this as Nabil El Zhar was included in the starting XI alongside the likes of Dani Pacheco, Daniel Ayala and fit-again David Amoo, with a place on the bench for Ngog.

But Bolton made a lively start and had an early penalty appeal waved away after Michael O'Halloran went down under the challenge of Chris Mavinga inside the area.

The pacey winger brought a stop out of Liverpool goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi soon after, driving towards goal from a tight angle.

However, the visitors fired a warning shot on 10 minutes when a crisp move involving Pacheco, Amoo and Lauri Dalla Valle resulted in El Zhar drilling a low effort narrowly wide of the far post.

The Reds went closer still as Amoo powered a header goalwards from Pacheco's corner, with McMahon's charges beginning to assert themselves after a bright opening from the home side.

But Gulacsi was called into action once more on 21 minutes, the Hungarian having to dive at full stretch to thwart Aaron Mooy's long-range free-kick before Bennett blazed over the rebound.

Play quickly swung to the other end of the pitch, and Dalla Valle clipped over on the spin after good approach play by Amoo down the right.

As the half hour mark approached, Sam Sheridan's low cross picked out Mooy in space inside the box, but his side-footed effort from 15 yards was collected by Gulacsi to further frustrate the Bolton midfielder.

There was a real open feel to proceedings as the rain pelted down in Lancashire, though a congested midfield battle ensured neither side had much time to dictate play.

Amoo's powerful raids down the right wing appeared to be Liverpool's best chance of breaking down the Trotters' rearguard and the 18-year-old warmed the palms of Bolton stopper Adam Bogdan with a run and shot.

McMahon opted to introduce Ngog into the action at the start of the second half at the expense of El Zhar and the Frenchman looped a header well over soon after the restart.

But the Reds' attacking options suffered a blow nine minutes into the second period when Dalla Valle was forced from the field after failing to recover from a challenge. Dutchman Jordy Brouwer was his replacement.

And the visitors could have fallen behind moments later as Sheridan's stinging effort was palmed away by Gulacsi. Three Bolton attackers lurked ready to pounce on the loose ball, but Steven Irwin was thankfully on hand to avert the danger.

Just after the hour mark, Ngog collected Amoo's flick and powered a strike into the hoardings from the edge of the area with 'keeper Bogdan never worried, before Damien Plessis flashed over from distance.

Liverpool had enjoyed the lions' share of possession in the second period and they finally made the breakthrough on 72 minutes.

Substitute Alex Cooper claimed an impressive assist, with the Academy youngster's inviting low ball across the face of goal from the left leaving Ngog with the simple task of tapping over the line from point blank range.

And the Reds doubled their advantage moments later as Bennett inadvertently diverted Bruna's wicked free-kick from the right wing into his own net on 78 minutes.

The quick-fire brace left Bolton stunned, and Liverpool pressed in search of a third in the dying moments with Ngog, Amoo and Bruna all trying their luck.

Slovakian youngster Harsanyi netted a stoppage-time consolation for Bolton, but the home side were unable to muster an equaliser as the Reds stretched their unbeaten run to 16 matches with a hard-fought win.

Ian Rush: We Should Attack Teams More Often

Liverpool's legendary goal-scorer Ian Rush knows a thing or two about attacking, so was pleased to see his beloved Reds offensive mindset in the 3-0 victory against Sunderland on Sunday.

The Kop idol also believes Liverpool should take the game to their opposition more, especially when playing at Anfield.

"It was a fantastic to watch Liverpool make such light work of Sunderland. We did everything right from start to finish," he told the Liverpool Echo.

"I was pleased to see us playing 20 yards further up the pitch.

"It made a difference to the way we played, helping the players close the opposition down quicker and get the ball moving well.

"That was all a consequence of deploying just one holding midfielder and bringing Steven Gerrard further back but with a license to roam.

"Previously, when we’ve been winning games, we’ve had a tendency to drop off and invite teams on to us. But on Sunday we just kept attacking.

"The 3-0 scoreline actually flattered Sunderland. It could have been much more with Daniel Agger, Gerrard and Fernando Torres all going close.

"I’d like to see us play like this more often."

Playing in such an offensive way against the strongest sides in the league is difficult, but against the weaker sides at home it is an approach that pays off, Rush reckons.

"Of course, you won’t get away with it against some of the stronger sides like Man United, Chelsea and Arsenal," he added.

"But I see no reason why we shouldn’t be playing like this against the teams we’re expected to beat, especially at Anfield where we should be taking the game to the opposition.

"It’s entertaining and we know it’s certainly effective." he concluded.

Glen Johnson Says Liverpool Will Keep Chipping Away

Glen Johnson insists Liverpool are only concerned with themselves as the race for fourth place hot ups.

Sunday's 3-0 win over Sunderland saw the Reds leapfrog Manchester City into fifth place to move within four points of fourth placed Tottenham who have a game in hand on Liverpool.

However, City can go two points ahead of Liverpool if they beat Wigan on Monday in what is one of their two games in hand on Rafa Benitez's side.

Liverpool have the kindest run-in of the clubs challenging for fourth, but Johnson says nobody at Anfield is concerning themselves with the fixure list.

"It's not something we've been thinking about," said the England international. "We're trying to take each game as it comes and trying to pick up three points in every one.

"We also know goal difference could be vital for us at the end of the season, so we're looking to keep as many clean sheets as we can and keep chipping in with goals."

Aston Villa's 7-1 defeat at Chelsea has hit their goal difference hard. Liverpool are on plus 21, seven goals behind Spurs and five ahead of City.

Johnson's third goal of the season gave the Reds a two-goal cushion at half-time against Sunderland. His left-footed shot from outside the area took a deflection off defender Michael Turner to beat Black Cats keeper Craig Gordon.

"It's something I've always been comfortable doing, coming inside and shooting on my left," he said. "I'm happy with the way it came off here."

With six league games remaining Johnson is confident everyone is pulling in the right direction to try and claim fourth place. "The belief is there," he said. "If it wasn't it'd be pointless playing.

"The lads are sticking close together with the staff, everyone's pulling together. I think we can do it."

Kuyt Delight At Torres Return

Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt admits that the return to goalscoring form of Fernando Torres has given all at Anfield a huge lift in the battle for a top-four place.

The Reds have experienced a terrible season and qualification for the UEFA Champions League via a fourth-placed finish in the Premier League would now be viewed as a significant achievement.

Liverpool, who are also hopeful of winning the Europa League, have been boosted in their quest by the return of superstar striker Fernando Torres after a knee operation.

A top-four spot is still far from certain, but the Spain international scored twice in his club's 3-0 win over Sunderland on Sunday to record his seventh goal in his last four matches and raise morale among his team-mates.

"Not only against Sunderland but since he has been back from his injury he has done a great job for the team," said Kuyt.

"He has scored some great goals and has played really well. It makes things a lot easier for the team.

"Every player in this team has bad moments but we are all trying to leave this behind us.

"We need to keep going. We have struggled a bit during the season but we don't have time to worry about these things as we have to look forward.

"With Fernando in this form, and also with the team playing a lot better, hopefully we have a chance."

Kuyt also played down suggestions unhappiness within the squad had contributed to some poor results.

"Always during a season during games you have arguments with players but I've never had this feeling towards me or other players," he added.

Lee Chung-Yong Is Not Leaving Bolton Wanderers For Liverpool - Agent

Bolton Wanderers winger Lee Chung-Yong will not be swapping the Trotters for Liverpool in the summer, according to his agent.

The South Korean has been linked with the Reds in reports in his homeland, with the Merseysiders said to be keen to exploit the commercial potential of signing such a well-known Asian player.

Dong-A Ilbo claimed that the player was being linked with Liverpool in the wake of the Merseysiders having concluded a sponsorship deal with Standard Chartered Bank, as they look to boost revenue streams in the Far East.

However, a spokesperson from TI Sports, Lee's representatives, quelled talk of a possible switch.

"I never received the offer from Liverpool, there was absolutely no contact. Speculation about the future is not helpful," he told reporters.

"[The link is] in a word, absurd. Liverpool did not have any discussion.

"Next season will be a lot easier [for Lee], but there is still much to learn in terms of player development.

"Lee wants to be a regular at Bolton next season, this is important [for him]. It is important that Bolton stay in the Premier League, that is the biggest objective."

TI Sports also confirmed that talks are in the pipeline at Bolton about a new contract for the winger following a steady season at the Reebok for him.

Lee joined Bolton from FC Seoul for a reported £2.2 million in summer 2009 and has hit five goals so far this season.

Milan Want Liverpool Hitman Fernando Torres - Report

Milan are ready to make an audacious move for Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, reports Il Giorno.

Torres, who has been a Milan objective for some time, is being monitored by club chiefs who are looking at making a serious move for him in the summer.

The report suggests Torres has become less than satisfied with the lack of silverware at Anfield, and he has already expressed his desire to play for Milan.

Furthermore, he is allegedly ready to take a pay-cut so he can complete a future switch to Italy.

Il Giorno's claims have not been verified by Milan, Liverpool or Torres.

Wolfsburg's Edin Dzeko continues to be linked with a move to the Rossoneri, but his €40 million price tag is standing in the way of progress.

Rafa Benitez Hits Back At Redknapp Criticism

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has hit back at the continued criticism aimed at him mostly by ex-players who are now pundits.

Plenty of former Reds stars have secured work in the media and Benitez has had to listen to them giving their opinion on what has been a disappointing season.

However, he felt the need to respond to the comments of former Liverpool captain Jamie Redknapp after the 2-1 defeat at Manchester United.

Redknapp, a close friend of Steven Gerrard, criticised Benitez for moving the England midfielder to different positions as they chased an equaliser late on.

To back up his assertion that Liverpool were a weaker team than the previous season he referenced the influence of Xabi Alonso, sold to Real Madrid in the summer, in the 4-1 win at Old Trafford last March. That finally prompted Benitez into a response.

"I was surprised to see some comments by some experts talking about how they could see Alonso playing in the 4-1 win against United - he didn't play,'' Benitez said, referring to the fact the Spain midfielder was injured.

"This expert said he (Gerrard) cannot play on the left but he is playing with the national team on the left. He was playing here on the right and scoring 23 goals so Gerrard can play everywhere. It depends on the team.

"I told him before the Sunderland game he was playing in the middle and he was happy. He can help the team and that is the main thing.''

Despite the praise for their first-half performance in the 3-0 win over Sunderland Benitez said his tactics had not changed much. Playing Gerrard in a more orthodox central midfield position is something he has done before this season but Sunday was just one of those days when all the players hit top form.

"With the same tactics we scored more goals than anyone in the Premier League last year and more goals than anyone in England two years ago,'' Benitez said. "It is a question sometimes of accuracy, pass completion or just a little bit of luck.''

Fernando Torres: Liverpool Must Improve Away Form

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has claimed that there is a new spirit in the Reds' dressing room after Sunday's convincing 3-0 win over Sunderland at Anfield.

Rafael Benitez's men have stumbled through a disappointing campaign so far which has seen them exit the Champions League early and drop well out of the race for the Premier League title.

But Torres, who notched a further two goals against the Black Cats, claims that the enjoyment is back in the Reds' football now.

"The main thing is I got my goals because the team is playing really well, giving me good assists," he told his club's official website.

"The second goal by Glen [Johnson] was amazing. We'll keep enjoying and keep scoring - that's my job.

"We have been much better in this last part of the season and now we have six games to play. We have to keep playing like this and make sure we're as strong away as we are at home.

"From the first minute you could see the team was different from the first part of the season."

Liverpool Announce Appointment Of Leading Australian Sports Physician Peter Brukner

Liverpool have announced the appointment of leading Australian sports physician Peter Brukner as head of sports medicine and sports science.

Dr Brukner, who is the current Australian football team doctor, will take up the full-time position after this summer’s World Cup in South Africa.

Managing director Christian Purslow said: "Dr Brukner is recognised across the globe as one of the leading figures in this field.

"He will play a vital, strategic, role in adding a new dimension to our sports medicine and sports science services."

Dr Brukner is the founding partner of Olympic Park Sports Medicine Centre in Melbourne, the largest sports medicine clinic in Australia.

He was instrumental in the development and recognition of sports medicine as a specialty in Australia, which culminated in the recent announcement of specialty status by the Minister for Health.

Formerly an Australian Football League (AFL) club doctor with Melbourne and Collingwood, Dr Brukner looked after various Australian national teams including swimming, athletics and hockey.

He has been Australian team doctor at Olympic and Commonwealth Games as well as numerous World Championships.

He is the co-author of the best selling sports medicine text book, Clinical Sports Medicine.

"The appointment is an indication of the high regard in which Australian sports medicine is held throughout the world", said Dr Brukner, who will spend the next month at Liverpool observing the set up before returning to Melbourne in May to help prepare the Socceroos for the World Cup.

"The prospect of working at one of the world’s great sporting clubs is very exciting and once the World Cup is over I will be devoting all my energies to improving the performance of the team."

Cascarino: Torres Wasted In Mediocre Liverpool Side

Former Chelsea FC and Aston Villa star Tony Cascarino believes Fernando Torres is wasted in the current Liverpool FC side and suggests the Spaniard could well leave Anfield in the summer.

The prolific Spaniard scored his 40th goal in 41 Anfield appearances for Liverpool FC during their 3-0 win over Sunderland on Sunday, and the ex-Aston Villa and Chelsea FC forward believes Rafa Benitez must sign a host of big-name players in the summer or Torres should leave the club.

Liverpool FC are currently embroiled in a four-way fight for a position in the top four this season alongside Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa, and Cascarino claims Torres is too good to spend another season at Anfield without new recruits.

In his Times column, this week titled ‘Torres wasted in mediocre Liverpool side’ the former Aston Villa and Chelsea striker writes: “Fernando Torres says he’s staying at Liverpool next season? I’m sceptical.”

“Anyway, I don’t think he should unless the club signs a number of big players in the summer.”

“He’s too good to spend another season wasted in an average Liverpool team.”

“At least playing Dirk Kuyt up front with Torres and sacrificing Lucas Leiva was a step in the right direction on Sunday.”

Match Report: LiverpooL 3 - 0 Sunderland

A scintillating first-half performance set the tone for a one-sided Liverpool victory over Sunderland at Anfield which kept the Reds in the race for Champions League qualification.

Fernando Torres struck a brilliant opener in the third minute and Glen Johnson's deflected strike made it 2-0 at the end of a first half in which the hosts could easily have scored six.

Torres scored his seventh goal in four matches, and his 18th in 21 Premier League appearances this season, midway through the second half before Liverpool coasted in the latter stages.

For Liverpool this was an eighth successive home league win, their best run at Anfield since winning eight in a row towards the end of the 2007/08 season.

More importantly it kept Rafael Benitez's side within four points of Tottenham, whose win over Portsmouth on Saturday cranked up the pressure in the race for fourth.

Liverpool responded accordingly and within 55 seconds defender Daniel Agger smashed a left-footed volley straight at goalkeeper Craig Gordon after Dirk Kuyt had flicked on Steven Gerrard's free-kick.

That the Denmark centre-back had a further two good goalscoring opportunities before half-time gave an indication of how dominant Liverpool were.

However, when it comes to goalscoring there are few to equal Torres and his third-minute strike was a piece of individual brilliance.

Goalkeeper Jose Reina picked him out wide on the left touchline and he dribbled inside Michael Turner to curl a shot over Gordon and perfectly into the far top corner.

In what was the best 45 minutes of football in Liverpool's season, Javier Mascherano had two long-range shots, one headed clear by Kieran Richardson and the other skewed wide, while Torres was just off target with a near-post effort following intricate passing between Maxi Rodriguez and Gerrard.

Ball retention, the pace of the passes, and the general attacking intent made for an exhilarating half.

More chances came and went as Gerrard's run and shot in the penalty area ended in a deflection behind and Rodriguez's near-post header from his captain's corner was superbly tipped over by Gordon.

Had Liverpool been 5-0 up after 30 minutes it would not have flattered them, but they had to settle for just the two goals at the interval.

The second came from Johnson in the 32nd minute when Gerrard's inswinging corner was only cleared to the edge of the penalty area and the defender touched the ball inside on to his left foot and unleashed a shot which took a slight deflection off Turner to beat Gordon.

Torres hit a post and then bundled the rebound wide before the break as Sunderland almost imploded under the pressure.

Liverpool's biggest problem in the second half was the expectation on them to reproduce the football they had displayed before the break.

While it did not reach those heights, they were hardly troubled.

Ryan Babel fired well over after Gerrard's driving run from halfway while Torres had an eight-yard shot blocked by Paulo da Silva, on at half-time for Lee Cattermole.

But the Spain international was not to be denied much longer and on the hour he scored his second goal, which was as simple as his first was brilliant.

Babel's far-post cross to Rodriguez dropped to Johnson who slipped a pass inside where Torres spun on the penalty spot to turn the ball past Gordon.

Alberto Aquilani replaced Kuyt with 20 minutes to go, with Torres making way for David Ngog to another standing ovation 12 minutes from time.

Richardson probably went closest to scoring for Sunderland when he flashed a left-footed shot just wide of Reina's right-hand post.

Gerrard's removal for winger Nabil El Zhar late on signalled that Benitez was more interested in saving his players for Thursday's Europa League quarter-final against Benfica in Lisbon.

What the Liverpool players must now prove in their remaining six league matches is that this performance was not a one-off.

If they can, then Benitez's guarantee of fourth place may yet hold good.

Steven Gerrard Looks To Win World Cup And Premier League In Next Five Years

Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard hopes to accomplish the two principal goals of his career in the next five years by winning a World Cup with England and a Premier League title with the Reds.

Gerrard will turn 30 years old when England face Japan in a friendly on May 30, just a few days before the Three Lions travel to South Africa for the World Cup.

With a career that has included 78 international appearances for England and a starring role with Liverpool over the last 12 season, Gerrard knows that he only has a couple of years left to achieve some of footballs top honours.

“It’s a big time for me – I am aware of my age and what I want out of the remainder of my career,” Gerrard told The Mirror.

“I look after myself, and I’m in good shape physically so I believe I’ve still got five years to fight for all the big prizes in football. I’ll do everything I can to keep going.”

The last year has been one of international success mixed with club disappointment, but Gerrard knows that in football things change quickly.

“It’s fair to say it’s been a mixed season for me.

“It’s been positive for England, because we’ve qualified for the World Cup and we’ve been winning football matches. But at Liverpool there have been times when it has been tough. But that’s football, you have to deal with that.

“There’s a chance to finish the season on a high with Liverpool now, by finishing fourth and going to a cup final. It would be fantastic if we could achieve both of those things. Then you focus on the World Cup.

“That will give me a big lift going to the World Cup, and then I’ll be going feeling ­positive that I can achieve something really important with England.”