Rafael Benitez is in no doubt Pepe Reina is the best shot-stopper in the Premier League.
The Anfield boss feels that Reina has proved the doubters wrong who claimed the Spain international would find it hard to cope with the aerial threat commonplace in the English game.
"We are really pleased because I remember at the beginning people said for England, in the air, he [Pepe Reina] is not the best," explained Benitez to his club's official website.
"He is the best in England - miles away from the others - and we are really pleased to keep him here for a long time.
"He is always organising the defenders and is more than a 'keeper.
"Sometimes the style of goalkeepers is for them to be really good in the six-yard box, but Pepe is really good in the 18-yard box.
"When you talk about a goalkeeper in a top side he normally doesn't have much to do.
"To be involved in this game especially at the end and the save shows the level of the player."
Benitez also praised Reina's commitment to the cause at Anfield and affirmed the talented gloveman would be staying on Merseyside for a while yet.
"Pepe is a key player and it is 100 per cent he will continue with us," the manager added.
"Since he came from Villarreal, always he has shown his character and his passion, his commitment with the club."
The Anfield boss feels that Reina has proved the doubters wrong who claimed the Spain international would find it hard to cope with the aerial threat commonplace in the English game.
"We are really pleased because I remember at the beginning people said for England, in the air, he [Pepe Reina] is not the best," explained Benitez to his club's official website.
"He is the best in England - miles away from the others - and we are really pleased to keep him here for a long time.
"He is always organising the defenders and is more than a 'keeper.
"Sometimes the style of goalkeepers is for them to be really good in the six-yard box, but Pepe is really good in the 18-yard box.
"When you talk about a goalkeeper in a top side he normally doesn't have much to do.
"To be involved in this game especially at the end and the save shows the level of the player."
Benitez also praised Reina's commitment to the cause at Anfield and affirmed the talented gloveman would be staying on Merseyside for a while yet.
"Pepe is a key player and it is 100 per cent he will continue with us," the manager added.
"Since he came from Villarreal, always he has shown his character and his passion, his commitment with the club."
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