Reina is the best around – Torres

Liverpool talisman Fernando Torres has labelled team-mate Jose Reina as the best goalkeeper in the world.

It’s a brave statement considering Reina is currently second choice to Iker Casillas in the Spain national squad, but Torres is convinced there is nobody better than the Madrid-born stopper.

The 27-year-old goalkeeper has been a huge hit on Merseyside ever since his switch from Villarreal in July 2005, and he has to be rated as one of Rafa Benitez’s best signings for Liverpool.

The Liverpool boss has come under fire for some of his acquisitions but Reina continues to produce consistent displays and the £6 million Benitez forked out has proved to be a sound investment.

With players in virtually every position under-achieving this season at Anfield, Reina has been the only one to consistently perform at a high standard for the Reds.

“Like always he’s having a really good season. For me he’s now the best ‘keeper in the world,” said Torres.

“In Spain everyone knows he’s a very good ‘keeper and in England there is no doubt he is the best.

“He’s played at a top level since he signed here and won many Golden Gloves (for the most clean sheets) – and hopefully he’ll win one more this season.

“He’s having a massive season and at Villa we won the game thanks to him.

“We must be really happy to have him in the team and hopefully he’ll be here for a long time.”

Liverpool beat Villa 1-0 over the festive period and Reina made a string of crucial saves to help secure the win which boosted Liverpool’s Champions League qualification odds.

In other sports news, the big freeze means many UK racing pundits have already been casting their eyes over this year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup as they look forward to warmer weather.