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.
