Friday, July 04, 2008

Liverpool Boss Benitez Hails Attacking Qualities Of Philipp Degen

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez believes new signing Philipp Degen will provide the width to facilitate the attacks, from the full-back position and bring about increased competition for places.

The 25-year-old Switzerland international right-back completed his Bosman move to Anfield on Thursday and met his Reds team-mates for the first time on Friday.

Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv: “I'm really pleased (to sign Degen) because we were working to try and find this kind of player in the full-back position with the ability to push forward, so I think he is a good signing. It was another good acquisition through the scouting department because it is another Bosman player.”

Elaborating on the qualities of the former Borussia Dortmund player, Benitez said: “He's very strong. He likes to go forward; he's very offensive and will give us options on the right-hand side. People talk about wingers but he will give us width from the full-back area and that is important too.”

The Spanish tactician also disclosed that there are couple of areas that they focused on and the reason to bring Degen was to get more firepower in these regions. And now with the new addition, and Steve Finnan and Alvaro Arbeloa in the squad, the competition is bound to be severe.

Benitez said: “Yes, clearly. It is important for me to have one, two or even three players who can play in one position or different positions and compete for their place.”

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