Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez singled out Fernando Torres and Lucas Leiva for praise after their stunning Europa League win over Benfica.

Torres' double earned him a place in club history as the first player to score twice in four successive games at Anfield.

The often-maligned Lucas produced one of his best displays for the Reds, capped by a fine second goal.

Benitez said: "We have some very good players and the value of the squad is much greater than in the past.

"Torres has a big value because he is a good player, still young and I think he can improve.

"Lucas was very hard-working. I am really pleased with him in terms of effort in every game and today he and (Javier) Mascherano were key players."