Fernando Torres has disputed claims that he and Robbie Keane struggle to form an effective partnership for Liverpool.
The Spanish striker, who has pronounced himself ready for the fray again after a season troubled by no less than three hamstring injuries, insisted there was no reason why he and Keane could not be Liverpool's main strike-force.
Torres, speaking after he finished third in FIFA's world player of the year awards behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, said: "Yes, sure we can play together - but the boss decides, he's the manager and he's a fantastic manager.
"Sometimes not all the players can play together in the same team. But I have played with Robbie a lot of times and we've scored goals when we've played together.
"I think we are going to play together, depending on the game."
Torres admitted he is desperate to make an impact on the season after a frustrating first half of the campaign.
He added: "I feel much better, and I hope to come back to play in the first XI as soon as possible. Then I can forget the injuries and start to play again for Liverpool who are in a very good position this year.
"I don't know if I can play 90 minutes yet but for sure I can be in the squad, but of course I want to be in the first XI.
"I didn't do pre-season properly after the Euros, the season started too soon and you are trying to keep the best physical stamina but it's difficult when you have to play three games a week. Now I want to stay a perfect 100%, and not get injured again."
The 24-year-old denied that Liverpool were going through a sticky patch and in doing so allowing Manchester United to catch back up.
Torres said: "I don't think so, and we now have two derbies which are big games for the city and for Liverpool.
"If we can win the derby in the league we can stay in first position and then afterwards if we win again in the FA Cup it gives us a lot confidence. I think two consecutive derbies is not a bad moment for Liverpool.
"We are top of the table and we have to enjoy that."
