Spanish super-striker Fernando Torres has risked becoming public enemy number one amongst opponents next season by publicly ridiculing the ability of Premiership keepers and defenders. He also raised eyebrows by suggesting that Chelsea stars Petr Cech and Ricardo Carvalho are two of the only people in England's top division who really know how to keep the ball out of the net.


The 24-year-old will go into Euro 2008 sky-high in confidence after having scored a remarkable 24 league goals in his maiden season for Liverpool, though he has himself suggested that the tally would not be as high in a more defensively astute league.

“In England the keepers usually come out too soon and try to go one on one with you," he revealed.

“The only exceptions are Edwin Van der Sar and Petr Cech, who hold and hold and try to keep themselves ‘big’ as you close in on them.

“That’s why, against Manchester United and Chelsea, I try to hit the ball early.

“The rest of the Premier keepers tend to come out at you and throw themselves down at the ball too quickly.

“In general, that’s the reason so many goals in England are scored when a striker dribbles right or left and the keeper goes down at his feet. But if you anticipate what’s coming, it’s easier to score," he added.

“The central defenders are usually big, strong, aggressive lads. I guess it is probably because of these characteristics that the majority think they can solve problems by getting tough with me.

“But the truth is most of them lack defensive positioning as a result of their reliance on strength and aggression and leave so much space for you to take advantage of.”

Torres went on to share credit with an unusual ally in his battle of wits against Premiership defenders and keepers while also giving plaudits to one of Liverpool's unsung heroes.

“We’ve a Spanish goalkeeping coach and he has been a genius at telling me every week exactly what kind of task lies in front of me in the following match.

“Nobody has ever worked with me like this before. It’s outstanding. Basically, I know days before the next game exactly the best way to finish a chance against the keeper I’m about to face.

“Xavi Valero tells me precisely what each keeper tends to do — stay big, go down early, if they have a preferred side they try to push you to. It’s vital information. I’ve refined the way I take chances as a result.

“This Liverpool side also works its socks off for me. Dirk Kuyt, for example, is spectacular in how cleverly and how hard he works to make sure I get top-quality possession near goal.

"He does his own work and mine too! I reckon I’ve probably run half a kilometre less than normal when chances drop for me at Liverpool, because some of the guys behind me do so much running and chasing.

"I get fewer chances at Liverpool than at other times in my career but they are always better chances.”

Finally, the ex Atletico Madrid prodigy admitted that there is one Premiership defender that he doesn't fancy coming across.

He said: “Terry is captain so gets a much higher profile. But he’s only secondary to Carvalho. Ricky is superb. He has every quality that is needed.”

by Derek Wanner, Goal.com

Labels: Fernando Torres, news

Jimmy Rice 16 July 2007 Xabi Alonso believes teammate Fernando Torres will not feel the pressure of being Liverpool's record signing.

Alonso insists the striker's time at Atletico Madrid, where he was both captain and star player, will stand him in good stead at Anfield. He said: "I've known Torres, of course, since he first started playing in Spain. "I think he can handle the pressure because he's experienced similar while at Atletico Madrid. "Mentally, he is strong enough to deal with this. He knows there will be a lot of focus on him, particularly in the early days, but once he's scored his first goal that immediate pressure comes off. "Fernando is someone who likes to work for his team. He always looks for the spaces and he's also someone who likes it played into his feet, which is good for the midfielders because we can use different options when looking to pass to him. "He is so quick, he will cause a lot of problems for defenders. In the Premiership, the defenders are really strong, but I hope he will be able to get the better of them." Alonso revealed he and his teammates are doing all they can to help the newboy settle into life on Merseyside. He believes this will ensure Torres is ready to make an instant impact on the pitch. "We know Liverpool is different to other clubs, but that can be to his advantage. There are a lot of players here who've already achieved good things in the last few years, and it is our job to help him settle into the club as soon as possible. "If we do that, it will allow him to show everyone what he's capable of. "Of course we've been telling him about the city. I remember when I arrived – I tried to learn about the place as quickly as possible." Meanwhile, Alonso insists the summer arrivals will spur on the existing players to reach new levels. "The squad is a lot stronger. We've made good additions, each bringing different qualities. Overall, I think we'll be better," he said. "I know it's going to be tough to get a place in my position, but it means everyone will be working hard in training and on the pitch to play, which is good for the club." From Liverpool FC.TV

Labels: Fernando Torres, news

Jimmy Rice 04 July 2007 Fernando Torres has spoken of his pride after being told he will be handed the number nine shirt vacated by Robbie Fowler when he completes his move from Atletico Madrid later today.

Torres, who will put pen to paper on the deal this afternoon, claimed it would be an honour to wear the number once owned by Robbie Fowler and Ian Rush. "The fact that Liverpool are giving me the number nine jersey just goes to show the confidence they have placed in me, when considering those who have worn that shirt before me," he said. The 23-year-old admitted he was sad to be leaving the club he supported as a boy but revealed it was an opportunity too good to turn down. "Liverpool is one of the best, if not the best, clubs in Europe," he added. Torres was back in his homeland saying goodbye to fans this morning and is due to fly into Liverpool later today to complete the deal. He'll then he unveiled to the media. Stay logged on to Liverpoolfc.tv for the first interview this afternoon Credit : Liverpoolfc.tv

Labels: Fernando Torres, news