Rafa: I'm pleased with striker

Rafael Benitez today spoke of his delight at the form of David Ngog, insisting the striker has proven himself an able deputy in the absence of the recuperating Fernando Torres.

The 20-year-old has started Liverpool's last four matches - including Sunday's Merseyside derby victory over Everton at Goodison Park.

Ngog has plundered two goals during that sequence, taking his tally to five for the campaign.

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

"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."

Ngog has racked up in excess of 30 appearances for the Liverpool first-team since arriving from Paris Saint Germain in July 2008.

Benitez admits even he has been impressed by the rapid progression made by the France U21 international.

"When we signed him, we were talking about him playing maybe five to 10 games a season, 15-20 maximum," he said.

"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.

"But he has scored some goals and has given us some options in attack.  We are watching the progression of a very good young player."

Despite establishing himself as a regular member of the senior squad, Benitez revealed Ngog remains eager to learn from the likes of Torres in order to hone his striking abilities.

The Spaniard added: "He likes to train and learn. We were doing training sessions with him and Torres and they were working together on some movements. He is someone who is keen to learn.

"Always when you talk about young players, you talk about the price, so when you put everything together, he is a very good signing."