Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has praised Fernando Torres after the striker came off the bench to help his side to a 3-1 victory over Valencia on Sunday.

The 31-year-old netted just nine minutes after his introduction to restore Atletico's lead at the Mestalla as they went on to close the gap on La Liga leaders Barcelona back to eight points.

Torres is widely expected to leave his boyhood club when his loan deal expires at the end of the current season, but Simeone was pleased with his contribution to the match.

"Fernando responded as we needed him to, we know he is a unique player," Simeone told reporters.

"We think about him every day, and today he had a huge impact when he came on the pitch. We won the game deservedly, playing really good football."

Atletico's next match comes at home to Deportivo La Coruna next Saturday.