Rush The Kop
Fansided

All Rafa Benitez 45 signings for Liverpool ranked!

By David Gate

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 28: Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez in good spirits during the press conference prior to the UEFA Europa League semi final second leg match between Liverpool and Athletico Madrid at Anfield on April 28, 2010 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 28: Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez in good spirits during the press conference prior to the UEFA Europa League semi final second leg match between Liverpool and Athletico Madrid at Anfield on April 28, 2010 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
16 of 28
Next
Sissoko
(Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /

Number 17: Momo Sissoko

Momo Sissoko is one of the most underrated players of the Benitez era. He rarely gets mentioned in the lists of influential player during that time but he was a very good player for the Reds.

He endeared himself to Kopites immediately by rejecting a move to Everton to move to Liverpool instead. Up the Reds!

In 2005 he was brought in to be a defensive compliment to Xabi Alonso in the Liverpool midfield. That season Steven Gerrard was playing more on the right of midfield as Benitez wanted to use his crossing and attacking sensibilities further forward. The truth being that Benitez never really trusted Gerrard as part of a midfield two. Sissoko was the solution to that problem.

The Malian was a more than capable defensive midfielder and featured 46 times in his first season at Anfield which was considered a success as Liverpool qualifed again for the Champions League and won the FA Cup.

Following Mascherano’s arrival first team chances grew thin and he was eventually sold to Juventus for £11 million in 2008. @davidgatesports

Alvaro Arbeloa
(Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /

Number 16: Alvaro Arbeloa

The Spaniard came to Anfield as bit of an unknown to most Liverpool fans. He came from Deportivo and a number of Reds were skeptical as he looked to thin and slow to be an effective right back in the Premier League.

Yet he did not lack strength and what he did not have in physical presence he made up for with impeccable timing and technical prowess. He combined with Reina, Hyypia and Aurelio to give us the most skillful back five in the League. This was essential to Benitez’ possession based style.

He played two seasons al Liverpool’s first choice right back including the title run of 208/9. His performances in a Liverpool shirt earned him a place in the Spanish squad which became a first team spot after his move to Real Madrid in 2009.

While he won no trophies at Anfield he went on to win La Liga and the Champions League with Real and 2 European Championships and a World Cup with Spain. A player Liverpool fans can be proud that he made his name at the club. @davidgatesports

Home/Liverpool All-Time Lists