The Spain fullback told liverpoolfc.tv: "Ronaldo's confidence level is so high everything he tries seems to come off and he is a step ahead of everyone else at the moment.

"Alex Hleb of Arsenal and Chelsea's Joe Cole have also caught my eye but Torres has been massive for us. He has created a lot of goals for himself and is on a par with the best and I am sure he will be voted Footballer of the Year ahead of Ronaldo.

"He is an idol who has earned his stripes, particularly at Anfield, where he has scored most of his goals."