Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has announced that Liverpool FC and Spanish international striker Fernando Torres is to join Lionel Messi as the cover stars of PES 2010.

Torres, 25, has enjoyed an incredibly successful season both at club and international level, and will now join UEFA Champions League winner Messi on the front of PES 2010’s packaging and marketing materials. Fernando Torres was born in Madrid in 1984, and gained acclaim by helping Spain win the Under 16 UEFA European Championships in 2001 scoring the only goal in the final against France. His pace and prowess in front of goal saw him signed by Atlético de Madrid as an 11-year-old, making his mark in the first team from the age of 17 and scoring 82 goals in 214 league appearances for the club. This form took him to Liverpool for a £26m fee in 2007, where his prolific strike rate has continued and has seen him cement his place in the senior Spanish national squad. Torres was a pivotal figure in Spain’s successful EURO 2008 campaign where he again scored the only goal in the final against Germany.

“Everyone knows that when it comes to football simulation, Konami’s PES series is by far the most realistic title available,” commented Torres. “The new game looks absolutely stunning, and I look forward to seeing myself in action in PES 2010.” “Fernando Torres has established himself as one of the most exciting strikers in the game,” added Jon Murphy, PES European Team Leader. “He encapsulates everything that is good about the modern game, showcasing both pace, skill and vision – three elements that play a major part in PES 2010 as a football simulation.”

New additions to PES 2010’s content:

• Enhanced Realism: PES 2010 delivers a pace of game in tune with football played at the highest level. Triangulation of passes and use of off-the-ball runs are key to breaking down the opposition, forcing the player to use the strengths of their team mates to create scoring opportunities. Gone are ‘soft’ goals that can be used to break the deadlock; instead, only working the channels and the precision play expected of great players will make a difference.

• Player Characteristics: Key skills of the many players have now been attributed names, allowing users to incorporate them into their play strategy. Cover star Torres, for instance, is renowned for his ability to receive a pass in the penalty area, and to drop the ball to a teammate in a good position for a goal-scoring opportunity. As such, he is labeled a ‘Fox in the Box’ and Goal Poacher’, in line with his prowess in both scoring and setting up goals. Player characteristics are more vividly reproduced by these names.

• Instant Tactical Switching: Konami has already unveiled its new tactical bar system related to PES 2010’s attacking and defensive elements, but can now reveal additional information. Each team has unique settings matching their real-life playing styles. Torres at Liverpool, for instance, will recreate the Merseyside club’s sophisticated play and high numbers in attack, their pressing from midfield, strong defensive line, and width across the pitch. For the offense, the default settings support wide attacks and the aim to move in the back of the opponent’s defense line. The user can summon the bar instantly during a match to adjust team tactics to enhance their defence or strengthen attacks.

• Master League: The Master League now incorporates both the Champions League and Europa Leagues in its content, offering a complete season for players to enjoy. Success in the Master League will see players streamed into these competitions. The lure of European football can also be used to attract stronger players to your side, with transfer dealings and contracts now significantly more realistic in their use.

• Commentary: PES 2010 reunites Jon Champion and Mark Lawrenson in the game’s virtual commentary box, but in a more effective way than before. The commentary is now more tied to the action, with comments detailing player ability, significant match history and analysis, within a more concise and detailed delivery designed to mimic the presentation of games.

Konami is committed to delivering the most realistic football to date, and will make further announcements regarding PES 2010’s exciting, innovative content in the run-up to the game’s Autumn launch. Key details on the game’s DLC, online elements and options will follow shortly.