Torres - Gerrard an example

Reds striker praises skipper for handling pressure

Last updated: 5th July 2008

Fernando Torres Steven Gerrard Liverpool

Torres: Lifted by Gerrard

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Fernando Torres believes Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is a 'great example' to his team-mates.

Spanish striker Torres enjoyed a sparkling debut campaign at Anfield and quickly formed a potent partnership with Gerrard.

Torres has been impressed by how the midfielder handles the pressure of his role and hopes to have picked up captaincy tips from the England ace.

"He's always under tremendous pressure to perform and everyone looks to him to show leadership, to lift the team," Torres told Champions magazine.

Incredible

"He's a great example, and those of us who have been in a similar situation know how difficult it is to handle.

"It's incredible the way he carries himself regardless of what is going on around him. I'd love to be captain of another team one day and Steve has shown me how to be a great leader."

Former Atletico Madrid star Torres also revealed how Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez constantly encourages the players to improve.

He added: "After you score 20, Benitez is at you during the next training session and stays on top of you all day, all week.

"I want to progress in life, not relax, not be complacent, and you need someone close to you telling you to keep at it. It is impossible to do it otherwise.

"We don't always fancy someone that close but, in the long term, I am sure that everybody will thank him for it."