Yossi Benayoun believes Pepe Reina's form so far this season has reaffirmed his status as the Premier League's top goalkeeper.
The Spanish shot-stopper has been one of the Reds' standout performers in their opening four matches.
Reina, who has won the Golden Gloves award three times in the past four years, has pulled off a string of excellent saves.
Defensive frailties have seen the Reds leak seven goals already but Benayoun admits no blame can be attached to the 27-year-old.
"Ever since I’ve been at the club Pepe has played at a really high level," Benayoun said.
"He is one of our main players and he has been excellent for us again in the opening weeks of the season.
"He made a vital save to deny Matt Taylor at Bolton and he has done the same in the other matches. It’s just great to have him as a team-mate.
"In my opinion he is the best goalkeeper in the Premier League.
"He never lets us down and we know we can trust him all the time."
Benayoun is busy preparing for a crunch World Cup qualifying double-header.
Israel, who are four points adrift of Group Two pace-setters Greece and Switzerland, host Latvia on Saturday before entertaining Luxembourg next Wednesday night.
The midfielder is desperate to keep his World Cup dream alive before returning to Anfield to ensure the Reds build on their dramatic 3-2 win at Bolton.
"It was so important to get the three points before the international break," he said.
"Having lost two games already, we knew we couldn't afford to slip up again.
"It was a hard game. Bolton are a physical side and we were relieved to win but hopefully now we can play with more confidence.
"Against Aston Villa we had one of those nights when everything went against us but at Bolton it was much better.
"I'm looking forward to doing my best for the national team and then I'll come back and hopefully help Liverpool climb up the table."
Benayoun's impressive cameo display in the opening weekend defeat at Spurs earned him a starting spot against Stoke and Villa but he was back on the bench at the Reebok Stadium.
Albert Riera, Ryan Babel and Benayoun are all competing for that left wing role but the Israeli is up for the fight.
"Like every player I want to start every game," he added.
"It's up to the manager to decide but all I can do is give my best and hopefully that will be enough.
"There is always competition for places at a club like Liverpool.
"I felt really good in the games against Tottenham and Stoke. I need to keep playing at that level."
Meanwhile, Reina believes Liverpool will have to take more risks if they are going to challenge for the title this season.
The Reds were hampered last season by 11 draws, including 14 dropped points at home.
"People say we have lost as many games this season as we did in the whole of last season. But last season our biggest problem was drawing games," he said.
"Those draws meant that we could have drawn the two games we lost, went the season unbeaten in the league, but still not won it.
"I would rather have lost six of those 11 games and won the other five.
"People can point to defeats, but I feel its the draws that make it more difficult.
"It's better to cut out the draws."
The Spanish shot-stopper has been one of the Reds' standout performers in their opening four matches.
Reina, who has won the Golden Gloves award three times in the past four years, has pulled off a string of excellent saves.
Defensive frailties have seen the Reds leak seven goals already but Benayoun admits no blame can be attached to the 27-year-old.
"Ever since I’ve been at the club Pepe has played at a really high level," Benayoun said.
"He is one of our main players and he has been excellent for us again in the opening weeks of the season.
"He made a vital save to deny Matt Taylor at Bolton and he has done the same in the other matches. It’s just great to have him as a team-mate.
"In my opinion he is the best goalkeeper in the Premier League.
"He never lets us down and we know we can trust him all the time."
Benayoun is busy preparing for a crunch World Cup qualifying double-header.
Israel, who are four points adrift of Group Two pace-setters Greece and Switzerland, host Latvia on Saturday before entertaining Luxembourg next Wednesday night.
The midfielder is desperate to keep his World Cup dream alive before returning to Anfield to ensure the Reds build on their dramatic 3-2 win at Bolton.
"It was so important to get the three points before the international break," he said.
"Having lost two games already, we knew we couldn't afford to slip up again.
"It was a hard game. Bolton are a physical side and we were relieved to win but hopefully now we can play with more confidence.
"Against Aston Villa we had one of those nights when everything went against us but at Bolton it was much better.
"I'm looking forward to doing my best for the national team and then I'll come back and hopefully help Liverpool climb up the table."
Benayoun's impressive cameo display in the opening weekend defeat at Spurs earned him a starting spot against Stoke and Villa but he was back on the bench at the Reebok Stadium.
Albert Riera, Ryan Babel and Benayoun are all competing for that left wing role but the Israeli is up for the fight.
"Like every player I want to start every game," he added.
"It's up to the manager to decide but all I can do is give my best and hopefully that will be enough.
"There is always competition for places at a club like Liverpool.
"I felt really good in the games against Tottenham and Stoke. I need to keep playing at that level."
Meanwhile, Reina believes Liverpool will have to take more risks if they are going to challenge for the title this season.
The Reds were hampered last season by 11 draws, including 14 dropped points at home.
"People say we have lost as many games this season as we did in the whole of last season. But last season our biggest problem was drawing games," he said.
"Those draws meant that we could have drawn the two games we lost, went the season unbeaten in the league, but still not won it.
"I would rather have lost six of those 11 games and won the other five.
"People can point to defeats, but I feel its the draws that make it more difficult.
"It's better to cut out the draws."
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