STEVEN GERRARD can't wait for Liverpool's tussle for the
title.
The Reds skipper is delighted with the £20million signing of
Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres.
Gerrard believes the Spaniard's arrival will send shockwaves
through the Premier League.
And the England star insists it proves Liverpool will be battling
among the big boys next season.
He said: "Torres has all the attributes to become firmly
established as world class.
"Some of the other players we're being linked with excite me too.
It's great to see us looking at young, hungry players with their
best years ahead of them.
"Since I've been in the first team I can't remember us making such
a major statement of intent in the transfer market as this.
"In recent years it's only really been Manchester United and
Chelsea buying players around the £20m mark, so it's great to see
us able to compete for players of that kind of value.
"The Liverpool board has always backed the manager and we've
invested heavily over the years.
"Roy Evans and Gerard Houllier spent a lot of money, but we've all
been looking for that extra step to close the gap and attract the
kind of players United and Chelsea are able to afford.
"This is the first summer in a long time we've been able to do
that. I'll bet players and fans from other clubs have been looking
at us and thinking: 'Aye, aye, Liverpool are making a move for some
of the big boys now.'
"That's what's so exciting. When the American owners took over they
talked about three stages.
"The first was proceeding with the new stadium, which they're
doing. Then they wanted to secure the key players on long-term
contracts, which they've done.
"Stage three is all about spending money on the players to make us
compete for the Premiership, which has now started.
"We're looking in great shape, not only going into this season but
for the next few years."
Gerrard has also backed club record signing Torres to set the
Premier League alight.
He added: "I've never played against him but I've watched him a
lot. I really like him and I'm sure he will prove a great signing
for us.
"Not only is he a great player now, but potentially he has all the
attributes to become firmly established as world class.
"He's at the right club and will be working with the right people
to make that happen.
"He's a fast, strong centre-forward who likes the ball being played
into his feet. They are the kind of strikers I love playing
with.
"I've no doubt we're going to get our money's worth out of him,
with him being such a young player."
