Saturday, March 28, 2009

Albert Riera Must Build On Aston Villa Performance – Benitez

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has long had trouble finding a suitable recruit who can provide an added dimension from the flanks, offering balance and width.

A return to his native Spain to pluck Albert Riera from Espanyol ensued over the summer and, though the 26-year-old looks much-improved than the product that strolled out at Manchester City in 2006, he can still seemingly add more to his game.

His tally of five goals in all competitions, together with a handful of assists needs to be built upon if Liverpool are going to challenge Manchester United for the title, and Benitez is urging Riera to use his display against Aston Villa as a benchmark to return to.

"He has had some good games but, because the team was playing really well, this could be his best game so far," 'Rafa' explained to the club's official website.

"I thought he started really well against Manchester United in his first game and he has scored some good goals for us. Riera has quality but he has to be more consistent. Clearly he is a player with ability and he can score great goals.

"When he is playing well he can beat anyone so that is what you always expect from a winger.

"He is playing with confidence."

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