Lucas: Torres brings out best in us

Lucas Leiva today labelled Fernando Torres the world's best striker - and claimed his presence brings the best out of the rest of Rafa Benitez's squad.

The Spain striker has been in superb form this term, scoring eight goals in seven games.
 
A hat-trick against Hull City on Saturday took his overall tally for Liverpool to 46 in 64 appearances.
 
Lucas believes such awesome stats encourages those around Torres to up their game.
 
"The rest of us have to work really hard to keep creating opportunities for him," said the 22-year-old.
 
"It's great to see Fernando playing so well and scoring a lot of goals. He has so much power, he's quick, he works so hard and he's a very good finisher.
 
"We are really happy that he is on our team because when he is playing like this it's really difficult to stop him.
 
"His goals are very important for us.
 
"When he gets the ball we always know he will create something. If he has a chance he will usually take it.
 
"I don't think there is a better striker than him in the world at the moment. Hopefully he will stay at this level for the whole season."
 
With Javier Mascherano ruled out of tonight's Group E clash with Fiorentina due to a hamstring injury, Lucas could line up alongside Steven Gerrard in the centre of midfield.
 
The Brazil international knows this puts the emphasis on him to defend.
 
"I love playing with Stevie and when I play with him I know I have to worry about the defence," he said.
 
"Stevie has to be given the freedom to attack and I'm happy in that holding role.
 
"We have so many players who love to attack and that has been the key to us scoring so many goals."