Former Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has backed Steven Gerrard to emerge as a star performer in Major League Soccer when he links up with the LA Galaxy on July 1, after claiming the slowing pace of the American game will suit his ageing legs.
Gerrard has come under fire for some of his performances in Liverpool colours this season, with his display in last Sunday's FA Cup semifinal defeat against Aston Villa at Wembley attracting yet more negative reviews.
Yet Atletico Madrid forward Torres is convinced the veteran midfielder, who will turn 35 next month, still has what it takes to make an impact in MLS. He again hailed the former England skipper as his greatest teammate, even though Torres has shared a field with Spanish World Cup winning heroes and played alongside a host of star names during his less-than-successful time at Chelsea.
"Out of all the great players I have played with, Gerrard, for me, is the best and I think he does still have lots to offer," Torres told AS.
"Of course your body slows down as you get older, but the technical ability stays. The MLS is a much slower place than in England, so I expect him to be very successful there."
Torres also offered some sympathy for Gerrard following Liverpool's FA Cup exit last weekend, as he lamented his former club's failure to end a three-year trophy drought that could have provided the perfect send-off for their departing captain.
"I know what Liverpool means to him, so yes I would have loved to see my friend finish his final season with a trophy, but it was not to be," he added.
"He has had so much success for Liverpool that I am sure the final game is going to be very emotional for him and the fans."