Crouch eyes Torres link up

Peter Crouch is looking to create the perfect partnership up front for Liverpool by linking up with £24m man Fernando Torres. Torres has scored six goals since his arrival from Atletico Madrid, and Crouch has struggled to hold down a first-team place as yet this season.

Crouch, who has struggled to nail down a regular starting spot this term, insists that he desperately wants to partner the Spaniard up front.

Crouch said, "I enjoy playing with a player with such blistering pace as Fernando. I'll hold the ball up and get in the box, he can run onto the loose balls and get in behind defences.

"I certainly think we complement each other. Fernando can win things in the air as well, but the fact that he is pacy and reads the flicks helps him get in behind."

"He is a strong lad and he has proved that he can certainly cope with the physical side in England. He comes from a different way of playing - Spanish football is different to English football - but he's an extremely strong physical player.

"He has pace and attributes to help him cope with that and I'm sure he's going to be a force this year."