Santa Cruz Is The Real Bargain

Blackburn Rovers manager Mark Hughes believes that Roque Santa Cruz has proved more of a bargain than Liverpool's Fernando Torres.

Both players have come into the Premier League and performed to an unbelievably high level, much above what some people might have thought. Paraguayan International Santa Cruz has scored 18 goals for Rovers in all competitions, with Torres scoring 29 himself (as well as being a nominee for the PFA Player of the Year Award.)

Despite these facts Hughes insists that Santa Cruz is the better bargain at £3.5 million compared to Torres' £20 million plus move from Spain.

Hughes is quoted on Sky Sports: "Roque and Torres would have to be up there as the two best buys of the summer.

"But, pound-for-pound, I'm sure ours was the better buy.

"Torres always looks like he will score a goal, but I suppose when you pay £20-odd million that's the minimum you expect!

"We needed a player of Roque's stature and ability to keep us where we are. We got a great deal, we're very happy and we know Roque is as well.

"He enjoys his work here and we're delighted he's had a decent first season.

"He's come here and had a huge impact. It's similar for Torres, who looks a player made to measure for the Premier League, with the strength, pace and desire to withstand challenges."

No one can deny that Torres is a world-class footballer (and has proved a SUPERB signing) but in terms of what was paid for him and what Rovers paid for Santa Cruz (who is again a proven world-class performer) our buy would be the better bargain as Sparky says in terms of pound for pound signing without doubt.


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