Rafa Benitez insists the key to success for Liverpool this season is keeping stars fresh for the duration. The Liverpool boss’ hunger for trophies is likely to mean stars such as Fernando Torres spend time on the substitute bench in order to maintain fitness.

Last season Liverpool were stretched on all fronts and ultimately paid the price. This season after adding more depth to the squad during the summer transfer window the club hope to be playing at the same high level at the end of the season and throughout.

A glut of strikers at Liverpool has already produced frequent squad rotation. This policy continues whether the team are winning or losing. Critics claim that the system is hindering any consistency in the team. However, Rafa states:

"If you have a lot of strikers, you have to decide who is the best for each game. I decided Torres was best to play against Reading. These are the decisions you have to make as a manager."

Liverpool have dropped points against Birmingham and Portsmouth so far this season. Results see the club 2^nd in the Premiership table 4 points off leaders Arsenal.