Benitez gets it spot on

By Mark Denton | 26th February 2010

Benitez gets it spot on | read this item

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After falling behind in Romania last night, it seemed Liverpool were in for a tough job in qualifying for the next round of the Europa League. However, with Rafael Benitez in charge things are never as they seem.

It may be a bold statement, but Rafa was nigh on perfect in his tactical approach and team selections in last night’s game. We all know what the Spaniard can deliver in Europe, an arena which he seems to excel in. The inclusion of the in-form Ryan Babel was the right one, and so was the decision to leave the work-horse Dirk Kuyt on the bench for some well deserved rest. Benitez knows just how important Kuyt is to the team and will need him at full fitness for the Premier League run-in. It was nice to see Yossi Benayoun slot back into the team as well alongside the inspirational Steven Gerrard.

Relating to my previous article, it seemed that Benitez didn’t fancy Alberto Aquilani. And by looking at the pitch we could see his reasons why. Rafa needed men out there to grind out a result and the Italian has yet to display that he is capable of doing this dogged job. Hopefully more chances will come his way and he can prove himself to the Anfield faithful in the future.

The same could be said for Fernando Torres. Many could argue he needs game time to improve his fitness, but once again the pitch played a pivotal role. Bringing Torres on was not worth the risk with the Reds 3-1 up, and if the already fragile striker went over on his ankle again, it could have been curtains for his season. And Benitez understands just how important Torres is for the run-in.

The only two downsides from the night were the injury to Martin Skrtel and Javier Mascherano’s apparent inability to be able to control some of his tackling. It seems like a matter of time before the Argentine gets himself sent off again, or even worse, injure himself. The reliable Kyriagkos came on in place of Skrtel and battled hard, and the removal of Carragher on 60+ minutes for Martin Kelly was another smart tactical switch from Benitez. Like Kuyt, it was important to give the vice-captain some rest and give Kelly the experience.

Unirea did occasionally threaten, but when they did the Liverpool defense held firm, and this is full credit to Benitez’s substitutes.

All in all, a job well done by Liverpool which sees them progress to the next round. Ryan Babel’s continued form was backed up by a goal and he always looked threatening. Even David N’gog seems to be coming into his own, and linked up well with the midfield players behind him. Rafa will not be happy with conceding the first goal, but his team managed to grind out a difficult win on a difficult pitch, which will put them in good stead for the next round and the rest of the Premier League season.