Gerrard hails top duo

Skipper delighted with Torres and Babel

Last updated: 19th May 2008

Steven Gerrard

Gerrard: Praise for Torres and Babel

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Steven Gerrard has hailed the impact made by both Fernando Torres and Ryan Babel.

The Liverpool captain was speaking after Torres was named The Reds' Player of the Year with Babel taking the Young Player gong.

Grerrard is full of praise for Torres - who has bagged 33 goals in his debut Premier League campaign.

"I enjoy playing alongside Torres, it is great to have him here and he has been player of the year hands down. His movement and runs are fantastic. Hopefully he can take this into next season," said Gerrard.

"What has struck me about him, besides the goals, is his work rate and how much he is up for it.

"Usually when you bring in foreign players there can be a concern about whether they will be able to handle the physical side of the Premier League. How long are they going to take to adapt to the push and shove?

"But from the first game against Chelsea, he was all over their defenders, harassing them. If he gets kicked he's straight back up. He loves it! This is what has struck me most because I always expected him to get the goals."

Babel praise

On Babel, Gerrard continued: "As for Ryan, he is still young and has made a big impact from the bench, and he has also done well in some matches he has started and he has a bright future.

"If he's willing to learn then he has got the right players around him to help his game. But it is all about Ryan now and how much he wants to take his game to the next level, because he has certainly got the attributes.

"He has got the ability, there is no doubt about it. He is strong, quick, can set goals up and score. He's got it all.

"But I have seen it with so many players when they have had this ability and not taken it to the next level. It is up to him now how much he wants to be one of the top players about, because he certainly could be."