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I think Benayoun's strengths will be better utilised against weaker teams where they will pack their defence and aim to get a point. He will be able to find space, pick out the strikers and his Premiership experience will help with that. I guess he will start alongside Mascherano in the match against Sunderland.

We love Rafa Benitez Can't Stand Mourinho We'll piss Alex Ferguson-on We got the best coach in the world-orld

The only one I would swap Crouch for at the moment would be Huntelaar.

It is interesting to note that all the bench players have been shipped out. What's Hammann doing nowadays? Have not heard about him for a long while. Strange when you think that Morientes is talked about more in these boards more than Mr.Reliable.

Sounds like he loves his football. Jari, All the best to you. Thanks for being a Red, will be remembered.

I was at the game. I saw 60 minutes of the the Fulham v South China game as well. and frankly that game was more open (albeit for the useless 3rd and 4th placing) and interesting. That game went 4-1 in Fulham's way. Here are some of my observations: It will take some time for the team to gel. It is obvious they have not done so yet. However, some of the pluses from the games are: 1) Alonso - seem to have regained the touch as the midfield maestro. Completely bossed the midfield and is able to pick passes well and does some of the midfield tackles wonderfully. Probably a "Mascherano" effect. 2) Momo - confidence is there. he does one mazy run (ala a clumsier Messi) and did get close to the 6 yard box. Unfortunately did not have the vision to pass the ball to a team mate. Or maybe he wants a liverpool goal for once and that is one fine opportunity. Possibly due to more competition for places. 3) Kewell - Match fit, possible from a good run in the Asia Championship. He will be the left winger that we have been missing for so long. 4) Hyypia - decisive and command the 6 yard box well. We will see Hyypia giving some rotation headaches for Rafa. He will do well with slower and shorter strikers. 5) Torres - some evidence of pace and ball control. was not selfish in passing a sublime through ball to Kuyt. 6) Benayoun - finds the spaces and stays there for Alonso to pick him up. Very good awareness. Some negatives: 1) Kuyt - a lot of running; but seems to be ineffective for most time. I cannot see Kuyt becoming a prolific striker without him stopping the running all over the place. 2) Torres and Kuyt have little understanding (ok, still early days) - but they tend to get in each other's way and there were a couple of times when they go for the same ball. 3) We still lack the cutting edge. Many times, we were happy to pass the ball across the field without any penetration. We are still crying for a creative ball carrier it seems. 4) Babel as a striker - Not very noticeable. Tend to kick the ball too hard and generally not as exciting as he can be on the left. When he played as a RM, he did not shine as well. Hmm, to be honest very lacklustre IMHO. General 1) Torres - seem to be a totally different type of Rafe striker. did not chase for the ball. tend to find spaces by being in the right position "ready" for someone to pass him the ball, but definitely not like Kuyt in that he will fight for the ball. More likely than not to be a better scorer because of this 'predictability' 2) The team presses Portsmouth very high up the field. There were a few times when Reina was almost 1/3 from the baseline. 3) Crouch is a local favourite, loud cheers whenever he gets captured on the big screen in the stadium.

Because Rick Parry is doubling as a commercial director as well?

My thoughts exactly. What Yossi did was not right, even if it was done in 'our' favour. Although legally there is nothing wrong, the fact remains that he has given his word. And i still think Curbishley is entitled to feel pissed over this incident.

TBH, I think Curbishley has a point. Yossi gave his word and then later reneged on it. Would you want Alonso to do the same because Barca came for him?

Actually I would rate Rooney higher than Tevez. And both will get in each other's way. I followed a few Copa America-Argentina matches, and I am convinced that the Argie team has little width but a lot of creativity. And Mascherano seems more effective than Tevez in their respective positions. (Maybe my view is clouded as Mascherano plays for LFC).

Few things I like already. 1) 1st person in training 2) Hungry (for success hopefully as well) 3) Recognise the need to unlearn the things he learnt in AM (and learn the new things abt LFC) - keen to improve 4) Can do dirty work to help other striker 5) Willing to pick up a couple of yellows here and there. I am surprised he did not wear the AM shirt when offered and did not hug the AM chairman and instead shook his hand.

Always loved Vladi because he always loved the fans. Always gave his best. And thanks for Istanbul. All the best Smicer, YNWA.

"8. Steven Gerrard MBE " Sweet !

It is a shame that Robbie has not received any offers. He is great for teams that play open direct attacking football.

Whilst I do not think Tevez will come, I like the prospects of having the best 2 young players playing for us. If Bellamy really leaves, maybe we can look to selling one of Crouch and Voronin in the January window? Still think that the Voronin deal is one where Rafa did at a time when he had no idea how much resource he will be backed with.

With Dein and Henry gone and Wenger going next year, I can sense the Arsenal camp crumbling. Who should we buy from their squad? Hleb? Fabregas?

Seems like a crafty way to say that there MAY be a signing next week before Thursday. I think Torres is already wrapped up.

Pepe siging on his own instead of together with Xabi....does this mean that Xabi is off to Barcelona?

He probably figured that it is better to sit on grass with a track suit than a wool double-breasted suit.

- Scott Carson?

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I hope someone will make a banner for Dudek for Athens as well. It should say "Anfield remembers Istanbul. Thanks Dudek." If only I am not a Singaporean Red stuck in Sydney during Athens.

We would not have won the 5th without you. Thank you Jerzy, All the Best for the future. And let's wish that Rafa give you your last home game at home.

It is fine to remind Milan about Istanbul, but he FAILED to see that Manc is not Liverpool.

- Way too expensive to be Sami's stand-in. And he does not even have a UEFA medal not to mention a Champions League medal.