Strike duo can be Europe's best - Rafa
| The Reds boss has been pleased by what he has seen from the duo during their brief time together in pre-season and expects them to prove their quality in the forthcoming campaign - with the Spaniard hopeful that Standard Liege will be first on their hit-list. "I think the two strikers are top class and on the same level as anyone," he told reporters at a press conference ahead of Wednesday night's Champions League qualifier with Standard Liege at the Stade Maurice Dufrasne. "If they play together a lot I think they can go on and get better and better. "If you ask me, I would prefer them to have played together more in pre-season, but Torres came back late and we only signed Keane recently so it wasn't ideal. "Both players are clever and it is clear that if they play together for a long time, it will be easier for them to develop an understanding. I think they will be okay and can show their quality. "In the time they have had together they have played well and we have been scoring goals. They need time but we have confidence in them and I think we played well in the last game against Lazio." Standing in the way of Torres and co's progress to the Group stages of Europe's elite competition are Belgian champions Standard Liege. Benitez admits his side must be wary of any opponent they go head-to-head with in the Champions League but is confident his side will not fall to the same fate that saw last's season's UEFA Cup finalists, Rangers, come unstuck.  "I have confidence in my players and you must always be careful of any team you come up against in Europe," he said."I know Liege lost to St Etienne in a friendly but they also won the Belgian Super Cup the other day so we need to be careful. "Any top side competing in this competition must be aware of the quality of the teams involved. We must be focused every game and make sure we do not make any mistakes. "We know it's important to qualify every year and hopefully it will be the same this year." He continued: "We have been trying to learn a lot about Liege and have been watching the games they have been playing recently and of course analysing last season too. We have some information. "My staff have been watching games from last season but they have changed coach from then so to see them now is more important." Benitez also revealed that he would assess Steven Gerrard in tonight's training session at the Sclessin before making a decision on whether to field him in tomorrow's first-leg encounter. "He will train today so hopefully he will be okay for the match," he said. While the Reds captain looks likely to win his fitness battle, one player who won't feature is full-back Steve Finnan, who Benitez feels is still short of match practice. "He is not on the bench and has not travelled but we have Arbeloa in that position," said the Anfield manager. "He was injured at the beginning of pre-season and had an operation and although he is now training with the team, he is still a bit behind in fitness." | |
