Fernando Torres has said that Liverpool need a particular kind
of player to complete their squad: either a forward in the mold of
Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez, or a midfielder in the style of
David Silva and Andres Iniesta.
According to The Sun, he said, "We lack players like
Rooney and Tevez who can drop back between the lines of attack and
midfield and cause havoc for opposing defenses and
midfields."
The Reds fell just short of Manchester United in their pursuit of a
first Premier League title last term, due in no small part to their
inability to break down the defense-minded visitors at
Anfield.
And Torres is certain that the addition of a creative, free-roaming
attacker would instantly increase his side's chances against the
smaller, less adventurous teams.
"We lost the title because of not winning enough home games against
sides who ended up mid-table," he continued.
"Liverpool need a player like David Silva and Andres Iniesta -
players who can drop deep, find unexpected space, use a bit of
quality and open up a game.
"Rooney and Tevez are the kind of footballers who pull defenders
and holding midfielders into places they don't want to be.
"At home, United and Liverpool get sides who just want to get men
behind the ball and defend.
"The key to winning those precious home points is having someone to
unlock and uncomplicate that kind of match."
Torres has said in the past that back lines in England are prone to
positional frailty, and he believes that Liverpool must exploit
this weakness as best they can.
"Premier League defenders aren't unbeatable, they are physically
very hard but undisciplined," the Spanish striker said.
"It can be hard to create chances, but if you pull them out of
position they are more vulnerable. That's why sides like United and
Chelsea are so competitive.
"Their back fours are so disciplined and well-ordered. But,
generally, any Premier League side which complements its defensive
attributes with a touch of real quality up front suddenly becomes
super-competitive."
'El Nino' also had his say on the saga surrounding Xabi Alonso,
whose Anfield future remains is doubt amid strong interest from
Real Madrid.
"It would be a bad piece of work if Xabi left," he said.
"He plays his cards close to his chest so I don't know what is
going to happen.
"I'd put Xabi's own wishes ahead of everything else, of course, but
he's got three years left on his contract with us and I'd love it
if he stays.
"It would be a serious loss for Liverpool if he left this
summer."
goal.com