Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson praises Torres for brace in Chelsea win

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres controls the ball during their English Premier League match against Chelsea at Anfield yesterday. Liverpool won 2-0. Pic/Getty Images

The Reds made it three Premier League wins on the bounce to stun the champions and, speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Hodgson paid tribute to the forward.

"If you see today's performance, you have to say he was right up there," he said.

"It was an excellent performance in every respect."

The Liverpool boss also insisted that, despite rumours to the contrary, he was confident Torres was happy at Liverpool and wanted to stay at the club.

"Fernando (Torres) is a vital player for Liverpool, he would be a vital player for any club. You can't have great success if you don't have front players who are doing a really good job for you. He will go from strength to strength," he added. ufffd Goal.com

Barcelona win
Barcelona played their best football of the season as they beat Getafe 3-1 to keep the pressure on Real Madrid at the top of the Spanish League table.

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