Former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has explained how the signings of Fernando Torres and Javier Mascherano in 2007 'changed' Steven Gerrard's role in the team.
Torres signed for the Reds from Atletico Madrid in July 2007, months after the club signed Mascherano on loan from West Ham, a move that was eventually made permanent. It was the midfield partnership of Xabi Alonso and Mascherano that allowed Gerrard to play further up the field and form a formidable partnership with Torres.
In the 2007/08 season the pair scored a combined 54 goals, while the former Liverpool captain registered an impressive 19 assists in all competitions. The following campaign wasn't quite as ruthless, but Gerrard still scored 24 goals with 13 assists.
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Benitez, who was in charge of Liverpool at the time, says the signing of Torres and balance in midfield allowed Gerrard to move into a more attacking role.
He told The Coaches' Voice : "He If we go to my time at Liverpool, some people remember the names of key names from the beginning to end at Liverpool. One of the key decisions was, when we signed Torres, we moved Gerrard behind Torres because we could sign Mascherano, Lucas Leiva, Alonso.
"The balance, the freedom for Gerrard to attack and get into the box and the runs of Torres. We had Kuyt working hard and wingers depending on the year. But the main thing was freedom for Gerrard behind the striker, Torres up front who could run in behind defenders.
"Then two midfielders that could pass like Alonso or retain the ball like Mascherano. We signed Lucas Leiva when he was 19 and he was 10 years at Liverpool so they give you balance."
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