Liverpool striker Fernando Torres says teammate Steven Gerrard is in the class of Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

Having forged a prolific strike partnership with Gerrard at Anfield, Torres is well acquainted with the mercurial talent of the England international.

"There are maybe five players at the World Cup who can win a big game on their own - Stevie is one of them," said El Nino.

"He's in the same league as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, that's how good he is."