Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has praised the leadership skills of his goalkeeper Pepe Reina, asserting that the Spanish shot-stopper sets a fine on-field example to his team-mates.
Reina's passion for the club is that of a supporter, Benitez asserts, and that level of enthusiasm can only have a positive effect on the shot-stopper's team-mates.
"Pepe is the man closest to the fans on the pitch," the coach told the Reds' official website.
"He listens to what they are saying and he knows what they are thinking and you can see the passion he has in the way he plays and the way he directs things.
"He is a fantastic character and he is proud to be here. He has a strong mentality and you can see that in the way he is in the dressing room and around the training ground. He is someone who always wants the best for this team.
"I think he has been playing really well and we are pleased with him. He is a top goalkeeper and has broken a lot of records since we signed him from Villarreal. We are delighted he is with us."
Reina, 27, is reportedly closing in on signing a new deal to extend his stay at Anfield and Benitez can only see him improving as time passes.
"Pepe will continue to get better," the Reds boss added.
"When you talk about goalkeepers who play for top teams, they don't tend to have that much to do during games.
"What sets them apart is being able to make important saves after they have not been busy and we have seen Pepe do that lots of times."
Reina's passion for the club is that of a supporter, Benitez asserts, and that level of enthusiasm can only have a positive effect on the shot-stopper's team-mates.
"Pepe is the man closest to the fans on the pitch," the coach told the Reds' official website.
"He listens to what they are saying and he knows what they are thinking and you can see the passion he has in the way he plays and the way he directs things.
"He is a fantastic character and he is proud to be here. He has a strong mentality and you can see that in the way he is in the dressing room and around the training ground. He is someone who always wants the best for this team.
"I think he has been playing really well and we are pleased with him. He is a top goalkeeper and has broken a lot of records since we signed him from Villarreal. We are delighted he is with us."
Reina, 27, is reportedly closing in on signing a new deal to extend his stay at Anfield and Benitez can only see him improving as time passes.
"Pepe will continue to get better," the Reds boss added.
"When you talk about goalkeepers who play for top teams, they don't tend to have that much to do during games.
"What sets them apart is being able to make important saves after they have not been busy and we have seen Pepe do that lots of times."
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