Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is delighted with the emergence of David Ngog this season.

The despair of crashing out of the Champions League and falling off the pace in the Premier League was tempered by the improvement shown by Ngog.

"I think he is doing well because everyone has been talking about Torres," Benitez said. "So to play in his position, work hard and score goals is difficult.

"When people talk about Torres, you know the next striker will always be in a bad position.

"But Ngog is working very hard, he has good movement and technique, and is scoring goals. For a young player, you cannot expect any more from him."

Benitez added: "When we signed him, we were talking about him playing maybe five to 10 games a season, 15-20 maximum. Now he is playing a lot of games, which is very good for him and the team also.

"Sometimes for a young player it can be difficult because you have to fight with two strong centre-backs in difficult games."