Rafa: Torres is amazing

Fernando Torres could make his 100th Liverpool appearance against Wigan Athletic tonight - and Rafael Benitez is confident the striker will go on to eclipse that figure at Anfield.

El Nino has established himself as one of the finest players in world football since arriving at Anfield in 2007 and signed a new, improved contract with the club during the summer.

While Liverpool's form may have varied this season, Benitez remains adamant Torres can fulfil his ambitions at the Reds.

"Of course Fernando wants to win things, just as we all do, but I am sure he can fulfil his ambitions here," said the boss.  

"He wants to be in the Champions League next season and I can guarantee he will, because I know we will finish in the top four."

The last two years have seen Torres forge a devastating partnership with Steven Gerrard, and Benitez is certain the deadly duo share his vision for the future of the Reds - which starts with a top four finish this season.

He said: "I am talking with Fernando and Stevie (Gerrard) all the time and they know my idea for keeping this club going in the right direction.

"I have spoken at length with both players in the past week or two. We discussed how things are going and what we want to achieve this season, and both were very supportive and very positive. It was clear they share my determination to put this bad spell behind us and emerge as competitive as in previous seasons."

Torres can boast an incredible record of 60 goals in just 99 appearances for Liverpool, and having recently returned from injury, Benitez is backing the 25-year-old to bolster that tally over the remainder of the season.

"I think he was an amazing signing for the club," he said. "The first year was fantastic. The second year he had some injuries, but still did well. This year, hopefully, he will give us the same as in the first year now that he is back from injury.

"We have to manage him properly and it depends on the fitness of the player. After each game we have to talk with him and see if he can play one or two games in a week.

"I was talking with him and he was OK, but we have to talk before the game (against Wigan) and see how he feels."