Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez believes the success of Fernando Torres is proof he can work successfully at the top end of the transfer market.

Benitez, particularly in Spain, has been criticised for his judgement when buying players, but with Torres he argues: "The success of Fernando Torres is not down to the football ability of Fernando but his mentality and his quick adaptation to the English game - which we were confident he was capable of doing.

"Before we gambled without money and now we have been able to gamble with more money. I prefer to have those risks because I want to gamble and fight to be champions.

"If you have these opportunities (to spend big on a major star) it is important to take advantage of them."