All Rafa Benitez 45 signings for Liverpool ranked!
By David Gate
Number 31: Jonjo Shelvey
The young, bald, controversial package that is Jonjo Shelvey. The London lad was just 18-years-old when he signed for Liverpool – with Benitez looking to see him develop into Steven Gerrard’s successor.
However this was never to be, as spell with the Reds wasn’t an overly memorable one. Despite his tenacity and hard work, he only managed to score 7 goals in his 69 total appearances for the club. His more famous stats are for racking up booking points.
Shelvey seems to attract the red cards no matter where he goes. His most infamous for Liverpool was after his brutal challenge on Jonny Evans against Manchester Utd in 2012. His follow up clash with Sir Alex Ferguson only added to the heat of the situation.
Even now, Shelvey is still finding way of getting himself exiled to the dressing room. Old habits clearly do die hard. @LFCGeorgia
Number 30: Alberto Aquilani
Clearly a good player but one who never got going during his time at Liverpool. His signing represents the sad end to Benitez’ time as Liverpool manager. He was brought into replace Xabi Alonso who had moved to Real Madrid after his relationship with Benitez had become strained.
The signing of Aquiliani was a welcome plus. He came with a big reputation from Italy and had showed a high level of skill and nous alongside Totti at Roma. Famously some fans made a banner for the Italian before he’d ever kicked a ball for the club. Not the best idea and it didn’t help the pressure on him to fill Alonso’s shoes.
Injuries initially kept his away from the first team but he made eventually made his first Premier League start in December of 2009. It was a debut that flashed talent and vision. He received a standing ovation from the Kop.
He ended playing 26 times for the Reds that season. While he only score two goals he did put in some Man-of-the-Match performances across that time.
Roy Hodgson’s inherent mistrust of skillful midfielders meant he played on loan the next year and then again in 2011/12. By that time there were new owners and a host of new players under Kenny Dalglish and club sold him to Fiorentina in 2012. He reamins one of the biggest ‘what if’ players in recent times. @davidgatesports