Diego Simeone pays tribute to Fernando Torres

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has said that Fernando Torres will be an important player for the capital side this season.

Atletico spent big money on boosting their strike force in the summer, with Jackson Martinez and Luciano Vietto both arriving.

Torres has scored twice in his last two league games, however, and Simeone has paid tribute to the qualities of the experienced forward.

"Torres is doing well. He came to pre-season very prepared and is doing important work," Simeone told reporters.

"You have to be more demanding with him and we are more demanding according to a player's level.

"Last year he gave a lot. He is competing very well and giving us alternatives in attack and that is what we need."

Torres, who initially represented Atletico between 1995 and 2007, returned to the Vicente Calderon in January on loan from AC Milan.