All Rafa Benitez 45 signings for Liverpool ranked!
By David Gate
Number 35: Josemi
The signing of Josemi from Spanish side Malaga was Rafael Benitez’s first after taking over for Gerard Houllier. Benitez signed the defender for two-million pounds on July 26, 2004. The Spaniard was 24-years-old, stood at 6’1”, and was expected to be a strong component of Liverpool’s defence.
However, Josemi’s stay at the club was short-lived. And his time as a starter was even shorter after he fell out of favour with Benitez.
He was sent off in a 4-2 victory over Fulham on October 16, just two months after his debut. Steve Finnan, who was signed by the club one year earlier, took over at right back during Josemi’s suspension.
Finnan would prove his worth to Benitez in that time, and Josemi was subsequently dropped from the starting XI upon his return.
The Spaniard made 23 appearances for Liverpool during the 2004-2005 season, 15 coming in league play. He was featured as a substitute in the majority of those matches. He made just 12 appearances in what would be his second and final season.
And after two years at Liverpool, Josemi went back to Spain. He joined Villareal on January 1, 2006. The move was a straight swap for Dutch defender Jan Kromkamp. Speaking of which… @UnofficialAB
Number 34: Jan Kromkamp
Dutch right-back Jan Kromkamp didn’t make much of an impact at Liverpool, but he hardly wasted anyone’s time either.
He arrived from Villareal as part of a straight swap deal and left little over a year later for his native land and PSV Eindhoven.
Kromkamp struggled to dislodge Steve Finnan from his position and played 18 times for the Reds, although he did manage to snatch an FA Cup win after coming on as a substitute for Xabi Alonso in the 2006 final.
This one isn’t one of Rafa Benitez’s finest moments, but at least he hardly cost the club anything and the decision was rectified the next year. @rusty_hughes