The pair were formidable throughout the club’s 1980s glory years and Rush can see similarities in the relationship between talismanic modern-day skipper Gerrard and new star striker Torres.

Record signing Torres has made a big impact since his summer move from Atletico Madrid while Gerrard, now back to his own brilliant best in recent weeks, has also netted nine times.

“I think Torres has been fantastic,” Rush, now a pundit for Setanta Sports, said.

“The way he has been closing players down, that’s what I like about him. People don’t realise the work he does.

“Liverpool’s midfielders and defenders must love him because he is making their job easier.

“It is a team game. Once the others see Torres doing that they do it as well.

“Gerrard also does that, Kenny Dalglish and myself did that.

“Steven Gerrard is such a great passer he will put the ball in the path of Torres. They are maybe on a better wavelength than other players because they are such quality players. I think they complement each other very well.”

Liverpool remain unbeaten in the Premier League as they chase a first league title since 1990.

Their form dipped in September and October but they have since picked up and are now high in confidence after scoring 21 times in their last five games in all competitions.

Rush believes that with Torres in their ranks they are now much better equipped to make a strong challenge than in recent years.

The 46-year-old added: “The difference between this season and last season is him.

“He wasn’t prolific in Spain but I think he has scored 11 in 17 now for Liverpool. To adapt so quickly has been fantastic.

“The goal against Chelsea was his best. It was his first goal and the way he clinically knocked it past [Petr] Cech – I think that gave him his confidence.

“When you look at that goal against Bolton he is making it look easy now – and it isn’t very easy. I think he is filled with confidence now. He is big and strong.

“If he can get 20-25 goals a season – that is what they have been lacking - maybe we have a chance of winning it.”

Liverpool’s recent good run has come against the backdrop of unrest behind the scenes.

Champions League-winning manager Rafael Benitez recently admitted to a misunderstanding with owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett over transfer policy.

The problems seem to have subsided for now and Benitez has Rush’s full backing as he bids to end the club’s long wait for a title – a feat that would put the Spanish boss among the club’s greats.

Rush said: “I think they are coming into form. I think what they are doing is they are getting everything right.

“I think the supporters are behind him. He knows what he wants and you just hope at the end of the day he is right for the club because I think he is going the right way.

“The supporters want to win the league and if Rafa can do that then you can start to compare him with Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley, Kenny Dalglish.

“They may not win the league but if you can go into the last month of the season with a chance of winning it I think supporters can see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

Rush can understand how the recent problems between Benitez and the owners occurred but is pleased the heat from the situation has gone.

“Liverpool have always done things behind closed doors and that is the way it should be done,” Rush said.

“But there are two vital games against Marseille and Manchester United next week and a lot will depend on that – and for me playing Reading (on Saturday) is just as big.

“If you get knocked out of the Champions League and lose to Man United you have to think twice about the finance. Unfortunately that’s way football is going.”

::Reading v Liverpool will be shown exclusively live on Setanta Sports 1 at 5.15pm this Saturday. To subscribe visit www.setanta.com or call 08712 10 20 30.