Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez says Fernando Torres' ability to handle the Premiership's physical nature sets him apart from former Reds striker Fernando Morientes.

Benitez said: "When we signed Morientes his mentality was really good. I was looking for a player good in the air and a target man. But Morientes couldn't handle it physically. Torres can. He is quick and strong. And he's younger."

Benitez believes two factors have played a major part in Torres' smooth transition from La Liga: having Spanish speakers at Melwood and having the mentality needed to succeed in the toughest league in the world.

"He is a Spanish player who has come to a team with a Spanish manager and some Spanish speaking teammates," Benitez told liverpoolfc.tv. "It can be difficult for a manager to explain what he wants, but I tell him in Spanish and can explain things that maybe others couldn't. It is not the same to go through a translator.

"Torres will get better because he wants to improve. His mentality is good. If you tell him he needs to work hard, he works harder. If you need him to stay and practice after training, he stays and practices."