Torres says Liverpool needs a striker like Rooney

London: England and Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has told club boss Rafa Benitez that there is a need for a player like Wayne Rooney.Torres is convinced Rooney was the difference between the teams last season as the Red Devils swept to a third successive Premier League title.

Liverpool came up four points short in second place - but Torres insists he should have been part of a title-winning team. The 17-goal Spanish hotshot believes had Rooney - or even Carlos Tevez - been lining with him and Steven Gerrard, they would have added the much-needed aggression Benitez`s Anfield machine lacked. United captured their 18th league crown to equal Liverpool`s record and Torres now fears their arch-rivals will increase their title haul unless Benitez signs someone with the genius of Rooney. Torres, 25, said: "We lack players like Rooney and Tevez who can drop back between the lines of attack and midfield and cause havoc for opposing defences and midfields. "We lost the title because of not winning enough home games against sides who ended up mid-table. Liverpool need a player like David Silva and Andres Iniesta - players who can drop deep, find unexpected space, use a bit of quality and open up a game," he was quoted as saying. "Rooney and Tevez are the kind of footballers who pull defenders and holding midfielders into places they don`t want to be," he said. ANI