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
18 of 28
Next
Benayoun
(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

Number 13: Yossi Benayoun

Liverpool signed Yossi Benayoun in the summer of 2007 from West Ham United.  He had already agreed, but not signed, a contract extension with the Hammers. But Benitez saw an opportunity and swept him for his signing for £5 million

He made his debut for the club in the Champions League against Toulouse and scored his first goal against Reading in the League Cup. It did not take long for him to impress the fans and the manager. He  started most games for the club in his first season and carried on scoring. He ended his first season with 11 goals scored in 48 appearances. He scored many memorable goals for the club including the late equaliser against Arsenal at Anfield in the epic 4-4 draw.

He left the club in 2010 as part of new manager Roy Hodgson’s clear out. His choice to join city was met with disappointment by many fans. However he was a very good player for the club and we got to have him for his best years. @_rahultanna

Sterling
(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /

Number 12: Raheem Sterling

There is no love lost between Liverpool fans and Raheem Sterling so I’m sure there will be some annoyed that he is so high on this list. Yet this is about how they played for the club, not how much we like them!

Sterling arrived at Liverpool just as Benitez was leaving. The manager snapped up the precocious talent from QPR when he was just 15. A couple of stellar season in the youth team persuaded new manager Brendan Rodgers to give him a good run in the first team.

Sterling immediately looked the part. His pace and dribbling were a constant threat down the right hand side. What was most impressive was how he got involved in the defensive responsibilities. He would use his pace – like a bullet – to rob bigger and stronger opponents of the ball.

He was a key player in the thrilling title challenge of 2013/14. With Suarez and Sturridge he formed one of the most lethal Liverpool attacks we had seen in years. He scored 23 goals in his three seasons in Liverpool’s first team before his acrimonious move to Man City in 2015.

You may not like him but you do have to concede that it was a very good buy from Rafa Benitez. @davidgatesports

Home/Liverpool All-Time Lists