Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is delighted Fernando Torres has been nominated for FIFA's World Player of the Year.

He said: "I am pleased he has been nominated for the world player-of-the-year award - it is well-deserved. To score 33 goals in your first season in England and then to win the European title with Spain shows his quality.

"There are some very good players also nominated, but I feel Fernando has a good chance.

"Of course, Cristiano Ronaldo is also nominated - and he is a very good player, too. It could be him; it could be Torres - but I will always support Fernando.

"It is very positive for him and for us. He was doing very well, and his record last season is a massive achievement."