Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez has paid tribute to the improvement of striker Fernando Torres since taking charge of the club.

Benitez was widely believed in November to have been named Blues boss in order to get the best out of the 29-year-old, who netted the opener during the club's 2-1 Europa League triumph over Benfica at the Amsterdam ArenA on Wednesday.

The strike was Torres's 22nd of the season and his 15th since the arrival of Benitez, who praised the former Liverpool man's hard work.

"We have had a lot of players improving during the season," Benitez told ITV Sport.

"Fernando was one of these players. A lot of people said I was appointed to bring the best from Fernando. He has improved a lot so I am really pleased.

"He has been working hard with the fitness coaches and medical staff and today he was the difference again."

Chelsea host Everton on Sunday.

Written by
Matt Cotton