Benitez grateful for Kop’s new God

THEY used to call Robbie Fowler “God” on the Kop, but they now have a new hero. Fernando Torres — “El Nino” — is threatening to blow away the memories of Fowler and establish himself as Anfield’s greatest striking idol of modern times.

Football supporters are prone to hyperbole and Fowler’s nickname did not sit comfortably with many, who felt that comparisons to the man upstairs were taking things a little too far.

Yet the sentiment is easy to understand. Fowler was seemingly capable of miracles once in sight of goal and Torres, who became the first Liverpool forward since Fowler 12 years ago to score 20 league goals in a season with his match-winner against Reading, clearly has the same magical ability.