MARK Hughes believes Blackburn Rovers hitman Roque Santa Cruz represents better value for money than Liverpool's Spanish sensation Fernando Torres.

On the eve of tomorrow's trip to Anfield, the Rovers boss hailed Santa Cruz and Torres as two of the best Premier League purchases from last summer.

There is little disputing the impact Santa Cruz has made at Ewood Park following his switch from Bayern Munich.

Although the Paraguayan international struggled for goals during a eight-year-stay with the German giants, he has been nothing short of prolific for Rovers.

Currently the club's leading scorer, the 6ft 3in marksman has bagged 18 goals in his first full season in English football, including 14 in the Premier League.

Equally, Torres has been in devastating goal-laden form for Liverpool after switching from Atletico Madrid, smashing 29 for the campaign in all competitions.

His impressive tally includes 10 league strikes in his last six league games at Anfield, making him a hugely dangerous customer for Blackburn's defence tomorrow.

But while Torres has hit the heights on Merseyside, Hughes insists he would expect nothing less from a striker that cost in excess of £20m.

The Rovers manager believes, for the money, the £3.3m outlay spent on Santa Cruz was a better deal.

"I think Roque was better value," said Hughes. "He was exactly what we needed.

"We needed a player of his stature and his ability to keep us where we are. We got a great deal.

"We are very happy and we know Roque is as well. He enjoys his work here and we are delighted that he's had a decent first season. It was important for him."

But of last summer's Premier League captures, Hughes readily admits that Torres and Santa Cruz have made the greatest impact.

He added: "They would have to be right up there. There's not many others that spring to mind.

"Certainly, Roque's first season in the Premier League has been outstanding.

"We are absolutely delighted with the way he's been able to come here and deliver, especially when there was a number of doubts levelled against him before he got here.

"But he's been able to silence all those people that doubted his ability to make an impression on these shores.

"He's come here and made a huge impact.

"It's a similarly story with Torres, who looks made to measure for the Premier League.

"He's got strength, pace, and the desire to withstand challenges.

"He always looks like he's going to score a goal.

"But I suppose when you pay over £20m for someone, that's probably the least you expect."