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LONDON, Aug 12 (Reuters) - Liverpool's new strike force of Fernando Torres and Robbie Keane can be the match of any in Europe, manager Rafael Benitez said on Tuesday.
Benitez spent 19 million pounds ($36.17 million) to sign Keane from Tottenham Hotspur and pair him with Torres, scorer of Spain's winning goal at Euro 2008, and he has high hopes for their partnership.
"I think the two strikers are top class and on the same level as anyone," Benitez told a news conference in Belgium on the eve of the first leg of Liverpool's Champions League third qualifying round tie at Standard Liege.
The statistics augur well for a partnership that should get its first competitive workout in Liege.
Torres scored 33 goals in all competitions in a memorable debut campaign at Anfield while Keane, Ireland's record scorer, hit over 100 goals in six seasons at Tottenham.
"Both players are clever and it is clear that if they play together for a long time, it will be easier for them to develop an understanding. I think they will be okay and can show their quality," Benitez said.
Benitez was hopeful that captain Steven Gerrard would be fit to face the Belgian champions on Wednesday despite struggling with a thigh strain.
