Morientes backs Torres
Eurosport - Sun, 22 Jul 11:48:00 2007
Former Liverpool flop Fernando Morientes has backed his Spanish compatriot Fernando Torres to succeed where he failed.
Reds boss Rafa Benitez had high hopes for Morientes when he arrived in the Premiership back in 2005, but the former Real Madrid hitman struggled to make an impact, scoring just eight goals in 40 appearances before heading back to Spain with Valencia.
Similarly high expectations have been placed on Torres' shoulders, but his predecessor believes he has what it takes to be a hit in the English top flight.
"Fernando has what it takes to succeed in England, no question," Morientes told the Sunday Mirror.
"He's a great player and a great guy who is young and has an enormous future ahead of him."
Torres may well be just 23 years old, but he already has over 200 games for Atletico Madrid under his belt, along with 40 appearances for Spain. And it is this wealth of experience that Morientes believes will stand his countryman in good stead.
"The good thing is that despite his youth he has lots of experience. That is a big bonus," Morientes added.
"I think Liverpool is the step-up he needed to take in a league like the English one.
"Now he'll hope that everything goes as well as possible for him. I'm sure he'll adapt quickly. He'll fit into Liverpool perfectly.
"He's quick and powerful so the Premiership style won't be a burden to him. It will be easier for him than it was for me."
Eurosport
Eurosport - Sun, 22 Jul 11:48:00 2007
Former Liverpool flop Fernando Morientes has backed his Spanish compatriot Fernando Torres to succeed where he failed.
Reds boss Rafa Benitez had high hopes for Morientes when he arrived in the Premiership back in 2005, but the former Real Madrid hitman struggled to make an impact, scoring just eight goals in 40 appearances before heading back to Spain with Valencia.
Similarly high expectations have been placed on Torres' shoulders, but his predecessor believes he has what it takes to be a hit in the English top flight.
"Fernando has what it takes to succeed in England, no question," Morientes told the Sunday Mirror.
"He's a great player and a great guy who is young and has an enormous future ahead of him."
Torres may well be just 23 years old, but he already has over 200 games for Atletico Madrid under his belt, along with 40 appearances for Spain. And it is this wealth of experience that Morientes believes will stand his countryman in good stead.
"The good thing is that despite his youth he has lots of experience. That is a big bonus," Morientes added.
"I think Liverpool is the step-up he needed to take in a league like the English one.
"Now he'll hope that everything goes as well as possible for him. I'm sure he'll adapt quickly. He'll fit into Liverpool perfectly.
"He's quick and powerful so the Premiership style won't be a burden to him. It will be easier for him than it was for me."
Eurosport
I'm sure he's right. :fingerscrossed:
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