Hughes - Roque KOs Torres

Rovers chief backs striker over Reds star

Last updated: 12th April 2008

SantaCruz Roque

Santa Cruz: Bargain buy

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Blackburn boss Mark Hughes believes Roque Santa Cruz is more of a bargain than Fernando Torres ahead of his side's trip to Anfield.

Two of the Premier League's top summer imports will go head-to-head on Sunday looking to add to their tally of goals.

Sceptics suggested the pair might struggle during their debut seasons in England, but the forward duo have taken the Premier League by storm.

Spanish international Torres has bagged 29 goals in all competitions, while Paraguayan Santa Cruz has notched 18 goals for Rovers.

Torres has been earning all the accolades following his goalscoring exploits for Liverpool since his arrival from Atletico Madrid and has been nominated for the PFA Players' Player of the Year award, but Hughes believes Santa Cruz represents better value for money after joining for just £3.5million from Bayern Munich.

Best buys

"Roque and Torres would have to be up there as the two best buys of the summer," said Hughes.

"But, pound-for-pound, I'm sure ours was the better buy.

"Torres always looks like he will score a goal, but I suppose when you pay £20-odd million that's the minimum you expect!

"We needed a player of Roque's stature and ability to keep us where we are. We got a great deal, we're very happy and we know Roque is as well.

"He enjoys his work here and we're delighted he's had a decent first season.

"He's come here and had a huge impact. It's similar for Torres, who looks a player made to measure for the Premier League, with the strength, pace and desire to withstand challenges."