Liverpool Boss Benitez On Missing Agger, Hails Skrtel

Liverpool missed Daniel Agger during his injury problem, according to boss Rafa Benitez, who feels had the defender been fit the Reds would have had a chance of mounting the Premier League title challenge.

The Danish aided the side to have a brilliant start to last season’s campaign which saw them concede just two goals in their first seven matches. However, his season was marred with a broken foot which resulted in an early end to his season.

In the Liverpool Daily Post, Benitez is quoted as saying: “I think it cost us early in the season. We conceded goals at the end of games which finished as draws because Sami Hyypia and Jamie Carragher were playing too many games in a row.

“We were using Jack Hobbs in some games and Alvaro Arbeloa as a centre-back and clearly we missed Daniel Agger.

“He is a centre-back but good on the ball and a threat for the other team too.

“We missed Agger.”

The Spanish tactician reinforced the defence in January transfer window bringing in Martin Skrtel from Zenit St Petersburg.

Benitez added: “We knew this player (Skrtel) when he was 18. It was funny because some people were going to see Everton against Zenit and were saying this player really has ability.

"But we already had four or five videos of him which we liked. We had already sent our people over there and we knew he was the player for us.

“It can be difficult to settle down in this country but Martin has been really good.

“We know the players we want whenever the window opens and we try to sign the players we want at the right price.”

Star Names On Merseyside Trains

Four trains are being named after legends from Liverpool’s sport and music scenes after being chosen by ECHO readers.

Blues’ star Dixie Dean and former Liverpool Football Club manager Bob Paisley will now both be immortalised on Merseyrail units.

The Beatles will also be recognised.

The first train officially named following the competition organised by the ECHO and Merseytravel pays tribute to three times Grand National winner Red Rum.

The nameplate is expected to be unveiled in a ceremony at Southport station on July 14.

“Rummy” used to train on the sands at nearby Ainsdale beach.

Merseytravel chairman Mark Dowd said: “These four trains have been named by the people of Merseyside and that’s what Capital of Culture is all about – getting people involved and leaving a lasting legacy of a special year.

“All four trains have been named after true icons of this great region and as a lifelong Blue I'm obviously delighted Dixie Dean has made the final four.

“I'd like to thank everyone who took time to make their choice. They should be able to spot these trains across the network very soon.”

Rail Service chairman Chris Blakeley said: “These trains will forever be linked to these great icons. They are your trains, named after people – or horses – you’ve chosen.

“It's nice to see both football clubs represented too. Dixie Dean and Bob Paisley are two famous sporting personalities who have forever left their mark on this region.

“As for the Beatles, well their mark is indelible.

“The first train being launched will be Red Rum, a local horse, but famous across the world.”

Thousands of votes were cast in the online competition organised as part of Capital of Culture year.

Readers were asked to choose from a list of 20 leading men and women from the region in the fields of sport, music, politics, acting, comedy, business, health, invention, religion and war heroes.

Among those on the list were Harold Wilson, war heroes Noel Chavasse and Captain Johnnie Walker, Sir Simon Rattle, John Peel, Frank Hornby and Arthur Askey.

Liverpool’s Yossi Benayoun: “No Way I'll Leave Liverpool”

Liverpool’s Yossi Benayoun has rubbished all reports claiming that he is heading for an exit from the club.

The Israeli insisted that leaving the club is not at all part of his plans as he loves the club and the manager Rafael Benitez simply “loves” him.

Benayoun has been linked with a move to a number of clubs over the summer but the midfielder has been quick do deny any such linkups claiming he was delighted to be a part of the Reds side and also went on to reveal his relationship with boss Benitez.

"It seems the media in Israel and England are in a contest to see who's more bored during the slow summer months," he told Ha'aretz.

"The media in England published a story [on] Friday that Rafael Benitez told me finally that I'm staying at Liverpool. These reports are the work of the writer's imagination because, even before the season ended, we determined that I would be staying.

"Benitez told me unequivocably [unequivocally] that he brought me here, that I had a very good season, that he's depending on me and that there's no way I'll leave Liverpool.

"I have very good chemistry with Benitez. He loves me. He bought me. I really enjoy being with him, moreover, I had an excellent season. I even surprised myself.

"Benitez didn't want to hear and isn't prepared to hear about any possibility of letting me go at any price.

"Liverpool is good for me and it was always clear I want to stay and Liverpool wants me. I got better offers financially but these tempting offers don't change my mind.

"If Liverpool wouldn't want me, I'd leave there in seconds. Even if I had a contract but I understood they didn't want me, I'd get up right away and leave.

"But I'm not leaving Liverpool."

Stoke City Linked With Liverpool’s Carson As Aston Villa Focus On Signing Tottenham’s Robinson

Newly-promoted Premiership outfit Stoke City is reportedly interested in Liverpool goalkeeper Scott Carson, who had spent the last season on loan at Aston Villa.

The England international returned to the Merseyside at the end of the last season as Villa did not take the option of a permanent move.

The 22-year-old has been apparently valued at £10million that has forced Villa boss Martin O’Neill to look elsewhere with Tottenham’s £5m-rated Paul Robinson said to be the prime target.

Neverthless, the Potters manager Tony Pulis is looking to bring in an experienced custodian and could jump at the chance to sign Carson, who is looking to leave Anfield for regular football.

Keane Told He Will Not Join Liverpool

Just like every other Tottenham striker, Robbie Keane has been linked with a move away from White Hart Lane this summer. Berbatov is reportedly chased by Manchester United and Arsenal while Darrent Bent is wanted by a host of mid-table clubs.

Robbie Keane is wanted by Liverpool, but he has been told to forget about those rumours because he will not be allowed to leave.

“My first task at pre-season last week was to pin Robbie to the wall and tell him: ‘You’re staying!’” Said Gus Poyet, according to The People.

“I was shocked when I heard him being linked with Liverpool - he’s a very important player for us.”

Robbie Keane was thought to be interested in a move to Anfield where he could give himself a shot at the big club. But Tottenham have done everything they could do to ensure that Keane stays put.

According to the report, the 27 year old would cost potential buyers about £20 million and it is thought that Liverpool do not have that kind of money to spend on a striker who is on the wrong side of his 27th birthday.

Torres Is A Revelation - Thomas

Former Liverpool midfielder Michael Thomas has described current Liverpool hero Fernando Torres as a “revelation”, believing that the striker and Steven Gerrard’s partnership could see the club end their Premiership title drought.

The 24-year old moved to Anfield from Atletico Madrid in a £22 million deal last summer, and despite doubts from several leading pundits, went on to score 33 times for The Reds in his debut campaign.

‘El Niño’s’ link-up with Gerrard, who manager Rafa Benitez used in a withdrawn role behind the striker, was a rewarding one, with the pair scoring a combined total of 55 goals.

And Thomas believes that the Spain international, who also scored his nation’s winning goal in the Euro 2008 final against Germany, will only improve over the coming years.

"I've been to watch a lot of Liverpool games recently and Torres has been a revelation," Thomas told LFC magazine.

"The Newcastle match - where he scored the second and made the third - showed exactly how good he is. They couldn't stop him that day.

"I'd heard some people say he wasn't a natural striker and they were surprised by his goalscoring ability. I'm not.

"I already knew a bit about him before he moved to England and he's got everything; pace, power, technique, touch, vision. He really is the perfect centre forward.

"His partnership with Steven Gerrard has been devastating and if they continue to play together like that then the team should get better and better."

Another of Benitez’s recruits, Ryan Babel, struggled to make as much of a mark as Torres, though Thomas saw enough in the young Holland forward to believe that he too could prove to be a major hit on Merseyside.

"I really like the look of him," he said.

"It's probably fair to say he had a slow start in the Premier League when he was obviously adjusting to a different style of football in a new country.

"But as the campaign progressed he started to do really well, especially when coming off the bench.

"I honestly believe he's got everything you need to be a top attacking player.

"And if he continues to develop and improve I can see him eventually moving out of a wide position to play as a centre-forward, maybe even alongside Fernando Torres. That would be a great combination."

Juve Set To End Alonso Chase

According to reports in Italy, Juventus are set to drop their interest in Xabi Alonso after growing frustrated at the lack of progress during negotiations with Liverpool.

The Bianconeri are well known to be in the market for a top class centre midfielder, and they have been heavily linked over the past several weeks with Roma’s Alberto Aquilani, Napoli’s Marek Hamisk, Inter’s Dejan Stankovic, as well as Sevilla midfielder Christian Poulsen.

With deals for Aquilani and Hamsik impossible, and Stankovic also unlikely due to fan protests, Alonso had emerged as Juve’s new first choice signing.

The Old Lady have been attempting to negotiate a transfer fee with Liverpool for the player, but have grown increasingly frustrated at the failure to reach a compromise, with the Merseysiders said to be demanding €20m and Juve only prepared to pay €15m.

Over the weekend Ranieri stated that Alonso was not the only centre midfielder that Juve were interested in, and according to latest reports in Italy, the club have become so fed up with proceedings that they are ready to end their chase for Alonso.

Alonso signed for Liverpool in 2004 from Basque Country-based Spanish side Real Sociedad.

Kewell Ready For New Chapter

Harry Kewell revealed Galatasaray were the pick of several clubs interested in him after signing a two-year deal with the Turkish champions on Saturday.

The 29-year-old arrived in Istanbul on Friday evening before putting pen to paper on a deal after five seasons at Liverpool.

Kewell turned down a contract offer with Liverpool in May and entered the current transfer window as a free agent, with many clubs across Europe chasing his services.

He was reported to be heading to Celtic, Italy's Roma or English Premier League side Portsmouth, but Kewell admitted Galatasaray quickly won him over.

"They're a great club," he told Sky Sports News. "They showed faith from the very start.

"There were other clubs out there but they were persistent and treated me very courteously.

"There are a lot of nice people over here, it's a great country and I'm looking forward to it.

"There were a few other clubs involved, other English clubs, but Galatasaray showed a lot of faith in me and were very strong from the start and that's why I signed for them.

"It's a new chapter for me, I'm looking forward to it. They've got a great young squad, I'm looking forward to meeting with the boys and training with them."

Kewell played against Galatasaray eight years ago when he was with Leeds in a UEFA Cup semi-final which was overshadowed by the stabbing to death of two Leeds fans on the eve of the match in Istanbul.

His move to the club has attracted criticism from Leeds fans, but Kewell is hoping the negative press will be short-lived.

"It was a tragic thing what happened but we can't live in the past," he continued.

"We've got to look to the future and that's what I'm concentrating on.

"I gave a good nine years to Leeds and left on good terms, there shouldn't be any bad feeling."

The move to Turkey also seems set to end Australia's hopes Kewell would represent them at the Olympics in Beijing next month.

The striker had said if he was without a club, he would consider representing the Olyroos as one of their three over-age players.

But Kewell admits the decision is no longer in his hands.

"The Olympics Games depended on whether I had a club or not," he explained.

"Now I do and it's down to Galatasaray (whether I play). If they want me to go then fair enough but my first priority is to play for Galatasaray."

Agent: Cavalieri Going To Anfield

The agent of Brazilian goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri has revealed that Liverpool have been given permission by Palmeiras to open talks with the player, with regard to a transfer to Anfield.

Juninho Parmigiani stated that the two clubs were set to agree the details for a deal involving the 26-year-old, who has been at Palestra Italia since the beginning of his career. Both player and agent are ready to make the trip to England to finalise terms with Rafael Beintez’s side.

Parmigiani claimed: "Palmeiras' board released Diego to negotiate with Liverpool and we are going to fly to define the last details. We still cannot say that everything is closed because there are some things between Liverpool and Palmeiras and other details in the contract.

"I believe everything is going to be solved this weekend. If everything goes as it was agreed, he is going to sign the contract and be introduced."

Cavalieri has yet to be capped for the Brazilian national team, but has caught the eye of a number of European clubs nonetheless. Internazionale were said to have run the rule over the goalkeeper in 2005, before ultimately opting for Julio Cesar.

Should Cavalieri arrive at Anfield, it may well push Scott Carson further towards the exit door; the 22-year-old has spent the past three seasons on loan away from the club, and Beintez is willing to part with the English international should a sufficient bid materialise.

Finnan Key To Barry Deal

Steve Finnan has emerged as the key component in the deal which may finally see Gareth Barry make the move from Aston Villa to Liverpool, reports the News of the World.

The two clubs are currently haggling over the transfer fee for Barry with Liverpool having reportedly offered £15 million for the Villa captain, whilst Aston Villa value him nearer the £17 million mark.

The protracted transfer has taken an ugly turn in recent weeks with Barry having been disciplined by Villa after comments he was reported to have made in a newspaper. His career at Villa Park is clearly over and it looks as though finally he may be granted his wish to join Liverpool.

With Benitez determined to add Barry to his ranks it now appears that Liverpool are willing to offer veteran full back Steve Finnan as part of the deal and with Martin O’Neill apparently an admirer of the defender, an agreement may finally be close.

The paper quotes a Liverpool source as saying: “There has been so much haggling in the past week and the mood has been very tense at times but both sides seem to be close to deal.”

Finnan signed for Liverpool from Fulham in 2003 and has made almost 150 appearances for the club winning Champions League and FA Cup medals.

However, the Irishman lost his place in the starting line-up towards the end of last season, making only nine league appearances in 2008, which has led to speculation that he no longer features in manager Rafael Benitez’s plans.

This speculation has increased this summer as Benitez has brought in extra defensive in the shape of Philipp Degen and Andrea Dossena. With Finnan likely to be guaranteed first team football at Villa Park it is unlikely he will reject a move away from Anfield.

Jamie Carragher Not Yet Ready To Tip Liverpool As Title Contenders

Jamie Carragher will only consider Liverpool title challengers next season if they are still in the hunt with 15 games remaining.

It is almost two decades since the Reds were champions of England and veteran defender Carragher has been involved for more than half of that period.

In recent years, Liverpool have been among the favourites to lift the Barclays Premier League crown when the season kicks off but their challenge has invariably faltered.

“People always talk about us pushing for the league, but to be honest it isn’t very often that we’ve even challenged,” Carragher told the club’s official website, www.liverpoolfc.tv.

“If we were challenging with 10 or 15 games to go then who knows?

“But just a challenge this season would be nice, to still be in the hunt.

“I think it’s only happened once since I’ve been in the team, when I played a few games under Roy Evans (in 1996-97).

“We probably should have won the league but let it slip towards the end.

“But since then, we’ve never even challenged, so that’s something we’re all looking for.”

Carragher, who has won every major domestic and European honour apart from the Premier League, added: “I’d take a title medal over anything else at the moment because that would make my full set, but I just want to be competitive in the league.”

Liverpool’s major problem in recent seasons has been their inability to get the better of their head to heads with title rivals Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.

However, Carragher said: “They’re big games, but it’s not just about beating Manchester United or the other so-called big teams. I don’t go along with that.

“Manchester United lost twice to Manchester City (last season), which no-one expected, so who knows?”

Centre-back Carragher, 30, has made himself an automatic selection at Anfield but he could face competition this season from Martin Skrtel and the fit-again Daniel Agger.

But the Bootle-born stopper has no intention of giving up his place.

“I’ve had a few seasons like that over the years where the competition for places has been intense,” he said.

“But that’s what it’s about at Liverpool. It’s about the battle for your place and I’m prepared to fight and battle as well as anyone.

“I expected to play in the past and I expect to play again next season.

“Every day you go into training, you feel as though you have to prove yourself all over again, although to be honest I don’t think I’ll change anything. I always work hard and I’ll continue to do so.”

Murphy Backs Carragher For Management

Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy has tipped his former Liverpool team-mate Jamie Carragher to make the transition into management at the end of his career.

Carragher has long been regarded among the Reds faithful as top-notch coaching material, with many suggesting his leadership and organisational skills far surpass that of club captain Steven Gerrard.

The 30-year-old, though often criticised for his lack of prowess in possession, has earned endless plaudits for what he does behind the play – his ability to rally the troops, to bite his team-mates’ heads off when they need biting and to arrange the rearguard.

And Murphy, who spent seven seasons at Anfield, believes it is his ex-England colleague’s passion for the game that will see him succeed on the managerial front in the future.

“Jamie Carragher is probably the main candidate; he'll be a good manager,” Murphy told fulhamfc.com. “He knows more about football than anyone I know.”

Juve Meet Alonso Reps In Paris

Juventus’ bid to sign Xabi Alonso from Liverpool is no closer to being completed following a meeting between the two clubs in Paris.

The possibility of seeing the Spanish international in a Juve shirt next season is, at the moment, still a remote one.

Alonso is no closer to signing for the Old Lady after a meeting in Paris today between a FIFA agent and Rafa Benitez’s transfer man, Eduardo Macia, yielded no agreement.

The deal may take another week to complete as the clubs are looking to agree on a selling price for the 26-year-old European Champion. The two clubs may strike a deal worth €18m, a balance between Liverpool’s asking price of €20m and Juve’s offer of €15m.

Juventus are still searching for a world-class midfielder and if all goes well, fans of the Bianconeri will see the former Liverpool midfield pairing of Alonso and Sissoko re-united at Turin’s Stadio Olimpico next term.

Liverpool Accept Pompey Crouch Bid - Report

The Daily Mail claims that Portsmouth have finally had a bid accepted for want-away Liverpool forward Peter Crouch.

The imposing forward had stated previously that he wished to join the Fratton Park side, only for Liverpool to refuse the south coasters' advances.

So fervent were Crouch's desires to move to Pompey that he allegedly turned down moves elsewhere, stating that he would run down his one year deal on Merseyside unless given the chance to head south.

Liverpool, then, have apparently acquiesced and accepted a £10m bid for the England international, which will be lodged with the Football Association on Monday morning.

Should Crouch agree terms with Harry Redknapp's side then the move could even be completed on the same day.

The Reds, who will receive £8m up front, will then be able to focus on new targets such as Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry.

Fernando Torres: Rafael Benitez Pushed Me To Greatness

Few foreign players have adapted better - or as quickly - to the unique demands of top-flight football in England than Fernando Torres. In his first season, after arriving at Liverpool 12 months ago, he scored 33 goals in all competitions.

Yet as the prolific Spain striker ponders how he can improve next season, having set the bar so high, he is swift to pay tribute to the part that Rafael Benítez played in his rapid and spectacular progress. Without the intense guidance of the Liverpool manager, Torres maintains, he might not have made such an immediate impact.

“There are days when you think: ‘My God, this guy [Benítez] doesn't let you breathe',” Torres, a £20.2million buy from Atlético Madrid, said. “At times like that, you don't realise that all he wants is for you to improve.

“When you are in a team where things are going mostly well, players tend to relax. But you must always push yourself. Never become complacent; you try to do your best every single day. At a club like Liverpool, you can't sit back after scoring 20-odd goals and say: 'Well, that's it.' After you score 20, Benítez is at you during the next training session and stays on top of you all day, all week.

“He tells you to go off on your own and do new exercises. I want to progress in life, not relax, not be complacent, and you need someone close to you telling you to keep at it. It is impossible to do it otherwise. We don't always fancy someone that close but, in the long term, I am sure that everybody will thank him for it.”

Torres, 24, carried his form into the international arena this summer, scoring two goals as Spain were crowned European champions. His second goal - a trademark effort embracing power and pace - was enough to see off Germany 1-0 in the final in Vienna.

If Benítez's influence has been great, Torres has also reaped the benefit of playing alongside Steven Gerrard, the England midfield player. He has watched Gerrard closely - on and off the pitch - and used the Liverpool captain as an example of how to deal with life in the goldfish bowl that is Merseyside.

“I really admire Steven,” Torres said in an interview in Champions, the official magazine of the Uefa Champions League, said. “I know the pressure he is under every day, everybody talking about him all day long. In the changing-room, in the pubs, in the stadium. I've heard people say he should be stronger, have a stronger personality. I know by experience how difficult it is to deal with that because Liverpool is a huge club. And he's at another level, of course.

“People look at you from a distance and challenge you with their eyes. All that happens to Steve every day and he copes with it, everything that is expected of him all the time. He's always under tremendous pressure to perform and everyone looks to him to show leadership, to lift the team.

“He's a great example, and those of us who have been in a similar situation know how difficult it is to handle. It's incredible the way he carries himself regardless of what is going on around him. I'd love to be captain of another team one day and Steve has shown me how to be a great leader.”

During a career of many highs, Torres has had to endure his lows, too, particularly before his move to Anfield. He would turn to Olalla, his girlfriend, for sympathy and advice. “She has had to suffer much disappointed ranting and moaning, especially when I was at Atlético,” Torres said. “Now, she is also having a good time herself.

“She knows how to calm me down when I haven't been able to see the way out of the tunnel or wake me up when I've been sleeping. She pushes me when I need to be encouraged. The person that lives with you is sometimes the only one capable of helping you up when you don't realise how down you are.”

Javier Mascherano Called Up For Argentina Olympic Squad

Rafael Benitez has lost his battle to prevent Javier Mascherano from going to Beijing after he was yesterday named in Argentina’s Olympic squad.

The decision could prompt the Spaniard to speed up his attempts to sign Aston Villa’s Gareth Barry as Mascherano will now be unavailable for both Liverpool’s Champions League qualifying legs on August 12 and 27 as well as the first two games of the Premier League campaign at Sunderland and at home to Middlesbrough.

While Benitez was prepared to let 21-year-old Lucas go to China if he was selected by Brazil, he has complained bitterly about the prospect of £18.6million signing Mascherano, who at 24 is an over-age player with 36 caps for the full Argentina side, being called up.

At the end of last season, Benitez said: “We will try to find a solution with Mascherano that will be the best for the club and the best for the player.”

Mascherano, who already has an Olympic gold medal from the Athens games four years ago, is now in line to face Canada on August 6, Sweden on August 9 and hosts China on August 12 with potential quarter and semi-finals to follow before the gold medal match on August 21.

Mascherano been named in Sergio Batista’s 18-man party along with other high-profile players such as Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Juan Roman Riquelme.

Liverpool youngster Emiliano Insua – who signed a new long-term contract with the club on Wednesday will remain on Batista’s standby list.

Mascherano, Riquelme and Internazionale defender Nicolas Burdisso are the squad’s three over-age players.

Argentina will travel to Tokyo to play a friendly against Japan on July 29 before going on to Beijing.

Wily Benitez Hails Philipp Degen As Shrewd Slice Of Business For Liverpool

On the first anniversary of the day Fernando Torres arrived at Anfield in a record-breaking £28million deal, manager Rafael Benitez has hailed the potential of a player who cost the club nothing.

Defender Philipp Degen has been signed on a Bosman deal from Borussia Dortmund and met his new team-mates at Melwood for the first time yesterday.

The Swiss international has become Liverpool’s first official signing of the summer after putting pen to paper on a four year-deal.

He had been offered a new deal by the German side, but was keen to test himself in the Premier League with Liverpool.

Benitez is delighted to have added to his squad a player who won three league titles and a domestic cup winner’s medal during his time at first club Basel and believes the added strength in depth will give added momentum to the drive for the Premier League title in the new season.

“We were working to try and find this kind of player in the full-back position with the ability to push forward, so I think he is a good signing,” explained Benitez.

“It was another good acquisition through the scouting department because it is another Bosman player.

“The season before last we were watching him and we knew he would be a good addition. But we made our move this year because it was a better situation in terms of the contracts, so it was straightforward.”

Benitez has been linked with a number of wide players during the transfer window, but he believes Degen’s abilities will add a natural width to the side.

He said: “He’s very strong. He likes to go forward; he’s very offensive and will give us options on the right-hand side.

“People talk about wingers but he will give us width from thefull-back area and that is important too.”

Degen may find his way to the first team obstructed by the likes of Steve Finnan and Alvaro Arbeloa, but Benitez is delighted to have added further competition for places.

“It is important for me to have one, two or even three players who can play in one position or different positions and compete for their place,” he explained.

Liverpool have made an early start to their preparations for the new season – with the exception of those involved in Euro 2008 – and the manager has been encouraged by the reaction of the players at the end of their first week.

“The commitment of the players is fantastic,” he said. “Sometimes you need to stop them because they play with a very high tempo.”

On the prospects for Spain’s Euro 2008 match-winner Torres in his second season in the Premier League, Benitez is confident he can have an equally stunning impact as last time round.

“Everyone knows he has been fantastic for us,” he said.

“We have our good memories about the day he arrived and how well he has done. I am really, really happy with him and hopefully he will be even better next season – if that is possible.”

Liverpool start their pre-season schedule with a match at Wirral neighbours Tranmere next week, with Benitez adding: “The first game is always important. It will be close to our people and interesting for Merseyside, so we will try to do well.”

Torres Reveals Anfield Boost

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres believes pressure from Rafael Benitez and inspiration from Steven Gerrard have helped him to become a global superstar and European champion.

The 24-year-old topped off a season during which he scored 33 goals in his debut campaign for the Reds by firing Spain to the Euro 2008 title last weekend.

And he claims manager Benitez's demand for constant improvement has driven him to ever greater heights following last summer's transfer from Atletico Madrid.

"After you score 20, Benitez is at you during the next training session and stays on top of you all day, all week," Torres told Champions magazine.

"I want to progress in life, not relax, not be complacent, and you need someone close to you telling you to keep at it. It is impossible to do it otherwise.

"We don't always fancy someone that close but, in the long term, I am sure that everybody will thank him for it."

The Spaniard has also been impressed by his club captain Gerrard, and in particular by the Scouser's ability to deal with the pressures that come with his high profile.

"He's always under tremendous pressure to perform and everyone looks to him to show leadership, to lift the team," Torres said.

"He's a great example, and those of us who have been in a similar situation know how difficult it is to handle.

"It's incredible the way he carries himself regardless of what is going on around him. I'd love to be captain of another team one day and Steve has shown me how to be a great leader."

Ten Things You Don't Know About Dossena

He's an Italian international who helped set Serie A alight with a series of impressive diplays for Udinese last season - but what else do you know about our new left-back?

Liverpoolfc.tv attempts to get you up to speed by revealing 10 things you probably never knew about Andrea Dossena:

1. Andrea started playing football for Fanfulla, an amateur side from Lodi. He then joined Hellas Verona at the age of 14. During his career he has also played for Treviso and Udinese.

2. He loves reading crime novels and listening to music. He also enjoys travelling around the world – he has already been to Mexico, the Maldives and visited the USA last year.

3. Andrea will be the first Italian international to play for Liverpool. The player passed his medical at Melwood earlier this month.

4. Dossena made his Serie A debut for Hellas Verona on November 18, 2001, in the derby against Chievo. His team went on to celebrate a 3-2 win over their city rivals.

5. In May 2008 the full-back revealed his passion for the Reds. He said: "Liverpool are a great team, and it is great to be linked to such a famous club. I want to play Champions League football, the Reds have already won it and they often get to the big games. In England, they are on the same level as Manchester United."

6. The 5ft 11 defender made 35 appearances for Udinese last year, netting two goals, including a screamer against Juventus. With the Zebrette he used to wear the number 8 shirt.

7. The left-back enjoyed a nine year stay at Hellas Verona and still regards them as one of his favourites teams. "I will never forget Verona, I always keep it in my heart," he insisted.

8. In October 2007, aged 26, Andrea earned his one and only cap for Italy taking part in a friendly game against South Africa. His debut was really positive as he set up a goal for the World Champions. In the 2000-01 season, he made four appearances with Italy Under-21 National Team.

9. After having long hair for several years, Andrea decided to shave his head at the beginning of the past season. "They told me I looked angry with that haircut, so I was forced to change," he said.

10. The 27-year-old was born on September 11, and shares his birthday with German legend Franz Beckenbauer and American singer Moby.

Cavalieri Charge Liverpool Close In On Keeper

Liverpool have prepared for Scott Carson's exit by making a £3m offer for the Brazilian goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri, although their £10m valuation of the England international is frustrating his hopes of a move away from Anfield.

Carson wants to leave Rafael Benítez's team having spent loan spells at Aston Villa, Charlton and Sheffield Wednesday in the three years since joining Liverpool from Leeds United. The 22-year-old, capped twice by England, saw a proposed return to Villa fall through after Martin O'Neill deemed the goalkeeper over-priced, while interest from Middlesbrough and West Bromwich Albion also cooled over Liverpool's demands.

Another season-long loan remains possible for Carson but, with the player wanting stability and his club seeking to raise funds for Benítez's transfer budget, neither party is keen on the idea. Anfield officials are close to securing cover for Jose Reina next season after holding talks with Palmeiras over Cavalieri. Milan and Internazionale have both been linked with the 26-year-old but Liverpool are understood to have agreed personal terms with the Brazilian and hope to secure his signature next week.

Benítez completed his second signing of the summer yesterday when Andrea Dossena finalised his move from Udinese. The Italian left-back, capped once by his country, signed a four-year deal and will cost Liverpool an initial £6m, rising to £8m over the course of his contract. He follows the Swiss international Philipp Degen, who has joined on a free transfer from Borussia Dortmund.

The veteran coach Archie Knox has joined Paul Ince's backroom staff at Blackburn Rovers. The 61-year-old former Manchester United, Rangers and Everton coach was released by Gary Megson from Bolton at the end of last season and will work alongside Ince and the assistant manager Ray Mathias as Rovers' first-team coach.

Councillors in Liverpool have formed a cross-party alliance to urge the government to call-in Everton's proposed stadium move to Kirkby. The £400m project between Everton and Tesco is currently under review by the Government Office for the North West. Leaders of the Labour, Liberal Democrat, Liberal and Green parties are to formally request an inquiry amid allegations the project breaks planning regulations.