- My Account
- Logout
- Register
- Login
Arbeloa labels Torres as Europe's number one and backs him to fire Spain to glory
03 June 2008
Alvaro Arbeloa has told his Spanish team-mates playing to Fernando Torres' strengths will fire the country to glory in Euro 2008.
Arbeloa said: "We need to take advantage of Fernando like we have been doing at Liverpool.
"I have noticed that at Liverpool we have been able to make the most of Torres' qualities.
Fernando Torres is key to Spain's Euro 2008 hopes
"When he gets away from his marker, we send the ball forward without doubting it.
"In Spain there is more possession and we would risk less with those long balls for Fernando."
The full-back, who made his international debut against world champions Italy in March, thinks Torres is Europe's number one striker.
"I believe Fernando has had no rival in Europe this season," he told Spanish newspaper Marca.
"Cristiano Ronaldo is more of a midfielder than anything else, but there is no striker who can get near Fernando.
"He has been the best in Europe and I am not saying that just because of his numbers; I say it because of his importance to the team.
"He took Liverpool to the semi-finals of the Champions League, scoring against Inter, Arsenal and Chelsea. He is always there," he added.
Arbeloa believes Spain have the quality to go all the way in Austria and Switzerland.
He said: I think we have achieved the ideal mix.
"There is youth and experience, and above all, good football. Why not this time?"
The former Real Madrid and Deportivo La Coruna defender believes his time in England has improved his game.
"At Liverpool we play very differently to how they play in Spain," he said.
"In England, the football is more physical, with more contact and fight.
"That can only help the national team because we will have the same technically good players, but they are also used to more physical play and contact.
"You can see it at Liverpool. We have players with a lot of quality like Xabi Alonso and Torres, and they don't shy away from the physical contact.
"They are very good players, but they fight for every ball. That makes us (Spain) more complete."
Torres will be available for Spain's warm-up game against USA on Wednesday despite picking up an ankle strain in their 2-1 victory over Peru on Saturday.
Comments
Top stories in Sport
Top stories in Sport
-
London gets ready for the Diamond Jubilee - in pictures
-
EXCLUSIVE: I won't play with Joey Barton, says Adel Taarabt
-
Diamond Jubilee: Boat by boat, here is where to watch the Queen's Thames flotilla - VIDEO
-
Duchess of Cambridge is pretty in pink at her first Buckingham Palace garden party
-
News pictures of the day
-
Locked up and banned: The Tube drunk whose vile racist rant was caught on film (video)
-
London 2012 Olympics: Raising the bar and the Games haven't even started yet. Price of toasting Team GB is £6 a pint! -
Timebomb ticking in Thames Estuary could put Boris Island plans in jeopardy -
Regent’s Park rapist: Teenage jogger assaulted by stranger in terrifying 7am attack -
Duchess of Cambridge is pretty in pink at her first Buckingham Palace garden party
The O2
Check out the cool stuff happening under our tent such as the hottest gigs, comedy, sport, films, clubs, bars, restaurants and much more.
A home to be proud of with Halifax
Download the Halifax's brilliant, free new Home Finder app, and take all the pain out of finding your dream home.
Can you imagine a career in teaching?
Be inspired to teach - let real teachers show you how rewarding the job can be.
Playing a game-changing role during the Games
Cisco is providing the solutions for London 2012's complex IT needs.
Win a Silverstone track day with Zantac 75
Feel the burn of a different kind - 20 Silverstone motoring experiences to be won
Celebrate with MARTINI®
This weekend toast one royal with another and make your Jubilee sparkle with a MARTINI Royale.
Reader Offers email A fantastic selection of
offers, giveaways and
promotions.
Why I think doctors are right to strike
Family pay tribute to the London man who gave his life to save a five-year-old girl from drowning
Eton schoolboys fly Games flag on Everest
Horror on the 5.53! Commuter dragged 200 feet after getting hand trapped on train
Shrimpy's - review