All Rafa Benitez 45 signings for Liverpool ranked!
By David Gate
Number 25: Emiliano Insua
The Argentinian arrived at Liverpool from Boca Juniors as an 18-year-old. Fans were quickly impressed with his size and speed as looked older than his years. He played a few games here and there in his first two seasons at the club and was primarily a back up for Fabio Aurelio and Andrea Dossena
It was in 2009 that he became a first team regular playing all most tthe entire season as Liverpool’s first choice left back. Strong and decisive he often flashed glimpses of a good future for Liverpool.
However a handful of costly errors eroded his confidence and he was beginning to be a player of derision for some of the fanbase. Many were turning away from Benitez as the ownership was crippling the club with debt and lies.
In reality the mistakes he was making were normal for a young player and he should have been given more time. He went on to win La Liga with Atletico Madrid and feature in their Champions League final run in 2014. @davidgatesports
Number 24: David N’Gog
David N’gog joined Liverpool from PSG as a highly touted 19-year old in 2008, but ultimately failed to live up to his potential. The lanky French striker made 19 appearances in his first season at Anfield, racking up a total of 3 goals under Rafa Benitez’s tutelage.
N’gog bettered his numbers the following season, scoring 5 league goals while also finding the net once in both the Champions League and then the Europa League. N’gog’s best moment in a Reds shirt also came in his second season when he rounded off a 2-0 win against Manchester United in front of the Kop with a low finish past Edwin van der Sar.
However, the Frenchman never took his game to the next level. His inconsistency and lack of goalscoring sent N’gog to Bolton Wanderers in a £4m deal at the beginning of the 2011-12 season. His stint at Liverpool ended with 19 goals in 94 appearances, and he now finds himself without a club at the age of 28. @wilko_mart_cach