Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Pepe Reina Should Have Been In PFA Team Of The Year - Ian Rush


The PFA Team of the Year selection always creates debate and former Liverpool star Ian Rush is not best pleased that Reds goalkeeper Pepe Reina was omitted.

Manchester City's Joe Hart, who was enjoyed a superb season on loan at Birmingham City, was named at No.1, but Rush feels Reina would have been a more worthy selection.

"Without doubt Pepe should have been in the team. Hart's had a good season but when you watch Pepe Reina play you can see that he is an incredible stopper," the former Welsh international told reporters.

"I can't understand how he doesn't get a game for Spain. [Real Madrid's Iker] Casillas must be one hell of a goalkeeper to keep Reina out. He has been fantastic and has really grown in confidence over the years.

"He must have had three or four assists for some of our goals this season and that's one of the main things I like about him. His distribution on the counter attack; it's like having another outfield player."

Much of the focus this season at Anfield has been on how Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres influence the Reds, but Rush believes Reina is every bit as crucial to Rafa Benitez's team.

"There are probably games where Liverpool have gone on to win and Torres or Gerrard have taken the credit, but there are five or six occasions that I can think of where he has made an important save to change a game in our favour," he added.

"I can't understand how he isn't in the PFA team. When you look at Liverpool's player of the year, he's definitely in the top three, if not a worthy winner."

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