Arbeloa labels Torres as Europe's number one and backs him to fire Spain to glory - Sport - Evening Standard
       

Arbeloa labels Torres as Europe's number one and backs him to fire Spain to glory

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

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.

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