All Rafa Benitez 45 signings for Liverpool ranked!
By David Gate
Number 37: Mauricio Pellegrino
Liverpool were desperate for cover at center back during Benitez’ first season. Behind Hyypia and Carragher there was only converted midfielder Igor Biscan and Djimi Traore. So the idea of getting Mauricio Pellegrino on a free transfer seemed too good to be true.
The Argentinian had played in two Champions League finals and had been a star defender for Benitez as he won two league titles and a UEFA Cup with Valencia. Even at 34 years old he was thought to be a canny purchase.
The reality was a lot more sobering. He never looked close to the pace of the Premier League. One performance in a 2-0 loss to Southampton sticks out. Peter Crouch owned him all afternoon and was the game that convinced Benitez to sign the English striker the following summer.
The current Southampton manager left at the end of that season as Liverpool turned to younger signings to bolster the back line. @davidgatesports
Number 36: Antonio Nunez
One of the first things Benitez did at Liverpool was to sell Michael Owen. It was a huge call for the new manager but he let the English marksman go to Real Madrid. Part of that deal was Antonio Nunez came the other way to Anfield.
The right midfielder was technically Benitez’ second signing and would compete with Vladimir Smicer. However it was not long until Liverpool would also sign Alonso and Garcia making a wave of Spanish imports.
Nunez was firmly behind Garcia in the pecking order but stayed around the first team for the duration of his one season at Liverpool. He made 27 appearances in total an only scored one goal for the club.
He famously made the bench for the Champions League final in Istanbul but did not see the field. Benitez decided to cash in soon after selling him to Celta Vigo. @davidgatesports