Benitez challenges Torres

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has challenged striker Fernando Torres to improve even further from the blistering form he showed in yesterday’s 6-1 demolition of Hull City at Anfield.

Torres bagged a hat-trick in the rout, putting on a stunning performance in front of the Kop.

But Benitez believes the 25-year-old Spanish international has even more up his sleeve and even more to produce and offer to the team.

“He can do even better,” Benitez told reporters after the game. “In the last three games he’s been really good. He’s improving and his mentality, workrate and movements show his ability.

“Still I think he can do better. The main thing is the mentality of the player. I always say the same: he’s keen to learn and that’s the main thing. That means he will improve. How much depends on him.

“£20 million is a massive figure for us, so we knew he was good. But the main thing when we decided to bring him here apart from his quality was the potential, his age and the future he had. So, we are very pleased now but he can still improve.”