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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) /
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El Zhar
(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /

Number 33: Nabil El Zhar

Nabil El Zhar signed for Liverpool in 2006, and made his debut for the reserve team against Newcastle. He finally had a chance to make his first team debut a month after signing, against Portsmouth at Anfield.

He scored his first goal in a League Cup tie against Cardiff City in 2007, and made his first assist against Wigan Athletic in 2008. In 2010 Liverpool had sent him loan to PAOK FC, and a year later was released from his contract as he signed for Spanish side Levante.

A young player with some talent who never really got it together under Benitez. He tried his best at the club and was never short of enthusiasm but lacked the elite level mentality and ability to become a regular first member. @_rahultanna

Scott Carson
(Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images) /

Number 32: Scott Carson

This was not a signing that achieved much for LFC but that doesn’t make it a bad signing. Reserve goalkeepers rarely make a difference to the side unless there is an emergency. Carson was brought in to be provide cover for Dudek and grow into a good keeper for the future.

Carson arrived in January 2005 and was the backup for the Champions League final win. That summer Pepe Reina arrived to be the unquestioned number one. Carson was so highly though of that he actually beat out Jerzy Dudek to be reserve keeper for some of the 2006/7 season.

As his stock was rising there was talk he could make the England World Cup squad. He requested to go out on loan, ending up at Sheffield Wednesday. He did indeed make the trip to Germany for the World Cup.

Benitez wanted to continue his experience and he wanted to stay in England contention so he went out on loan again. First to Charlton and then to Aston Villa. Eventually he was sold to West Brom in 2008. @davidgatesports

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