Liverpool have made a fight of it right to the end, and given Benitez his best league finish at the club.

The Spaniard, though, insists he is proud of his players and their attacking qualities, having scored 101 goals in all competitions this season.

“I do not think people realise how important it is to keep the balance (between defence and attack),” said Benitez.

“Because we are organised some people say we are not an attacking team. It’s so clear we are an attacking team and a very good attacking team.

“I think it is always important to score goals, but to score 119 last year and now more than 100 is very good. It’s not just the strikers as we have a lot of players who have scored for us.

“That is very good and it means the team have a very good offensive mentality and we still keep the balance and defend well. That is important for winning.”

Liverpool are confident midfielder Xabi Alonso will be back following his ankle injury for the match at West Brom, who will be virtually condemned to the drop if they fail to win.

Torres, substituted in the win at West Ham last weekend, is expected to start.