Match Report: Liverpool 1 - 3 Aston Villa

Liverpool slumped to their second Premier League defeat in nine days to put their title credentials firmly on the line.

Aston Villa produced a defiant, organised display and deserved their first win at Anfield since 2001.

The result also ended Liverpool's 31-match unbeaten home league record stretching back to December 2007, when Manchester United were the last winners at Anfield.

The spotlight will now be on Liverpool, who only lost twice in the league last season and still did not win the title.

The margin for error is now very fine. You rarely win the crown by losing more than five games in a season, and Liverpool's hopes could already have suffered a mortal blow.

A Lucas own goal and a Curtis Davies header saw Villa 2-0 up at the break. Fernando Torres pulled one back but an Ashley Young penalty settled matters son after.

Martin Skrtel returned to Liverpool's defence in place of teenager Daniel Ayala, having recovered sufficiently from a jaw injury to be risked.

This was the only change in the Liverpool side from the one that beat Stoke at home last week, with new Greek defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos not included in the squad.

Villa included Curtis Davies, who had recovered from a shoulder injury. Brad Friedel, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Stiliyan Petrov all returned to the side after being rested in the Europa League defeat away to Rapid Vienna last week.

Liverpool produced a vibrant start, but found themselves frustrated by the quick-tackling, quick-thinking Villa midfield.

The hosts could have been ahead in the first minute when Yossi Benayoun's back-header from Torres' chip into the area, beat Friedel but dropped inches wide.

A taste of what was to follow came from Villa's first chance came when Davies met a Nicky Shorey cross with a strong header, but it went straight at Jose Reina.

Torres and Steven Gerrard both saw shots blocked in the six-yard box, before Young was booked after 12 minutes for halting a Dirk Kuyt run.

Then Gerrard struck a first-timer from 20-yards just over from Kuyt's touched pass.

But Liverpool's problems were beginning to mount in a midfield that they were unable to dominate.

Javier Mascherano and Lucas were both fortunate not to be cautioned for fouls on Petrov and Agbonlahor in quick succession.

Torres was also coming in for some rough treatment from Carlos Cuellar, two tackles from behind going unpunished by referee Martin Atkinson.

By now Nigel Reo-Coker and Steve Sidwell were successfully breaking up Gerrard's flow in midfield, and Villa were soon to take the lead.

It came after 33 minutes when Lucas gave away a needless free-kick in midfield. Young swung the set-piece towards the near post, and it was the unfortunate Lucas who rose to head the ball past Reina for an own-goal.

Liverpool's play was sloppy and far too much possession was being conceded with ill-directed passes.

Further calamity came after Reina was booked in first half injury time for kicking the ball away in annoyance when referee Atkinson awarded a disputed corner, Sidwell's shot looking to have clipped a defender.

And from that disputed corner Villa found themselves two up. Shorey's corner swung into the near post and was headed home by Davies.

The hosts have staged some amazing comebacks in this stadium over the years, and they were going to need another massive performance to salvage anything from this situation.

Villa defended with organisation and desire. Roe-Coker was booked for kicking the ball away, and Friedel produced a fine save from a Kuyt header.

Kuyt then saw another header hit a post from a Gerrard corner from the left.

But Villa were still showing great resilience, and breaking quickly to cause Liverpool all sorts of problems at the back, Reo-Coker being only inches away from a third with one sliding attempt.

Liverpool sent on Andriy Voronin for Lucas after 66 minutes, with Friedel producing another fine stop from a Gerrard drive soon after.

But after 72 minutes Liverpool finally gave themselves some hope when Emiliano Insua got down the left and rolled the ball into the six-yard box for Torres to score.

Two minutes later Liverpool were back in despair and Villa celebrating. Shorey's pass into the path of Reo-Coker saw the midfielder surge into the box only to be felled by Gerrard's desperate tackle.

It was a clear penalty and Young stepped up to restore Villa's two-goal lead.

Liverpool's frustration was obvious. Torres was booked for dissent when Young went down injured and asked for treatment. He was eventually replaced by Heskey.

Ryan Babel came on for Benayoun, Liverpool still coming forward. Friedel again made a fine save from a Torres flick, before Kuyt sent a close range effort wide of the far post.

The outstanding Friedel, against his former club, saved from Torres and Glen Johnson, with Skrtel booked in the dying minutes, but Villa held on for a famous victory.

Rafa Rues Reds Errors

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez condemned his players for making "too many mistakes" as they slumped to their second Premier League defeat in nine days.

Beaten at Tottenham on the opening weekend, they recovered to over-power Stoke in midweek, only to slump to a disheartening 3-1 home defeat at the hands of a vibrant Aston Villa at Anfield.

It was Villa's first win of the season, and ended Liverpool's 31-match unbeaten league run dating back to December 2007.

And the reverse already puts in doubt Liverpool's title aspirations. They only lost two league games last season, now they have equalled that tally in the opening days of the new campaign.

Villa were two-up at the break through a Lucas own goal and a header from Curtis Davies. Torres pulled one back in the second-half, but Steven Gerrard's lunge at Nigel Reo-Coker conceded a spot-kick that Ashley Young confidently drove home.

Benitez said: "In the first 20 minutes we created plenty of chances and played well. Then we conceded the own goal and started to make more mistakes.

"We have lost and we know we have to improve. I felt we had a chance when Fernando Torres scored, but the penalty finished it. It was a clear penalty.

"We now know that we have to go to Bolton on Saturday and win. Everything could change if we do that, our confidence will improve."

Benitez added: "We were not playing well, and we were up against a team who are excellent on the counter-attack.

"Their keeper (Brad Friedel) made some great saves, but when that happens we just have to make more chances.

"This squad is virtually the same as last season, so I believe it is good enough to mount a title challenge. But we must do more, we must win at Bolton.

"We will have to sit down and analyse every player now, and make sure we do the right things in our next match. But our senior players must take more responsibility."

Villa boss Martin O'Neill said: "That was a terrific effort from my team. At 2-0 we were in reasonable command of the game, although you are never in command at Anfield.

"But when they scored we got a penalty straightaway, a clean penalty, and we were back with our two goal lead.

"That gave us confidence, discipline and shape to our team and we deserved to win.

"Brad Friedel was outstanding. He rolled back the years. He was fantastic against his old club to perform like that at Anfield.

"He will be delighted with himself, and rightly so, and we are delighted with him."

"It was a fantastic performance from the whole side and we fully deserved the victory."

Liverpool Youngster Daniel Ayala To Start Against Aston Villa

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has indicated that he may hand 18-year-old Daniel Ayala a spot in the starting line-up to face Aston Villa, should Martin Skrtel fail to recover in time.

The Spanish centre-half made his full debut in the 4-0 win over Stoke City, deputising for the injured duo of Skrtel (jaw) and Daniel Agger (back).

Benitez also said that the youngster would be preferred over the club's new signing, Sotirios Kyrgiakos, since the Greece international has not had enough time to settle down on Merseyside.

"Dani [Ayala] did very well against Stoke after a nervous start and it may be difficult to bring Kyrgiakos straight in," Rafa is quoted by ESPN soccernet as saying.

The Spaniard then focused on the task at hand, and hoped that the winning mentality would continue against Villa.

"Against Stoke the players wanted to prove they are good enough to win the title after that opening defeat at Spurs [Tottenham Hotspur]," he said.

"It was very important for them to win at home in midweek in front of their own fans, and they will feel the same on Monday against a very good Villa side.

"We scored four against Stoke, did not concede, and won well. But they know that there is still plenty of room for improvement.

"When you lose a game you are so determined to prove something in the next game. We have done that and aim to do the same again on Monday."

The gaffer signed off by warning his charges against complacency after their emphatic win over the Potters.

"Villa have ability and pace, it will be a tough game," he remarked. "They have lost Gareth Barry but they are still a very good team."

Liverpool FC's Yossi Benayoun Plans To Keep His Place

Liverpool FC midfielder Yossi Benayoun has won back his place in Rafa Benitez's side - and he intends to hang onto it.

The Israeli midfielder struggled to get regular starts last term until the back end of the season, when his form played a major part in Liverpool’s unbeaten 11-match run to the end of the campaign that almost took the title.

Boss Benitez opted to start this term with Ryan Babel on the left instead of Benayoun, and that decision has clearly inspired the 29-year-old.

Benayoun came on as a second-half substitute in the 2-1 defeat at Tottenham last weekend, and was on from the start for a fine display on Wednesday in the 4-0 victory over Stoke.

He intends to keep that form going on Monday night when Aston Villa are the visitors to Anfield.

Benayoun says: "I like to play from the left. A few years ago for the national team in Israel I always played on the left and I enjoy it.

"I am able to cut inside to the middle and get plenty of the ball, which makes it a bit easier. But I will be happy to play anywhere.

"Every player wants to start every game but it is the manager’s decision to decide who is to start and who will not, so every time that I get my chance I just try to do my best.

"Even if I only get to come on for 10 or 20 minutes or, like on Wednesday night, when I get to start I always give my all. I always try my best to impress.

"Of course I want to start more and more games but my job is to work hard and try to prove myself and this is what I try to do."

Benitez has a difficult choice over his central defensive pairing against Villa.

Despite having signed Greek international Sotirios Kyrgiakos for £2m, Benitez may still opt for teenager Daniel Ayala, or even spring a surprise by using Martin Skrtel, who is suffering from a fractured jaw.

Skrtel has been training over the past few days, but Benitez will consider his fitness and the risk factor later on Monday. He believes that the 30 year-old Kyrgiakos lacks match fitness.

Benitez will be without defender Daniel Agger for several weeks as the Dane is due to have back surgery on Tuesday.

Agger has missed the opening of the season, having been troubled with the injury all summer.

Liverpool FC dare not lose again tonight, with Benitez and his skipper Steven Gerrard believing this season’s title race will be much harder and very different from previous campaigns.

Gerrard insists: "The opening games have shown this season it will be very difficult to win, we are going to have to be even better than last season.

"It looks like it is going to be a very competitive league this season."

Benitez says: "This will be a different sort of title race. Already we have lost, and so have Manchester United.

"There are other teams who can make an impact, Spurs, Manchester City, Villa, and I believe it will be a lot harder this season for the top four teams to win every game.

"Villa will be difficult for us. They have pace, experience and ability. They do very well in away games because of that and are an extremely dangerous side."

Hertha Fear Voronin Blow

Liverpool have no plans to let Andriy Voronin leave the club, according to Hertha Berlin.

Hertha had Voronin on a season-long loan last term and he impressed with 11 goals in the German capital.

The Bundesliga club were hoping to bring him back, either on loan or on a permanent basis, but it seems Voronin is back in the plans of Reds boss Rafa Benitez.

"We have been talking to Liverpool and Rafael Benitez, but we have to stay realistic," general manager Michael Preetz told Spox.

"At this moment they do not only refuse to give Andriy (Voronin) another loan spell away from the club, they do not even want to sell him as well.

"The fact is that he is getting match practice at Liverpool and it looks as if we have to forget this possibility."

Reports in Germany claim Hertha are now turning their attentions to Gremio forward Fernandinho.

Liverpool Keeper Pepe Reina Is Best In Premier League - Rafael Benitez

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has lavished praise upon Pepe Reina, saying that he is the complete goalkeeper and the best in the England.

"Pepe is the best in the Premier League for me. He is the number one," Benitez told Liverpool's official website.

"He is good with the ball, good in possession and he is good at organising the defenders and so he can help them. He can also start the counter-attacks. He is the complete goalkeeper.

"He is very important for us in attacking terms," continued the Spaniard.

"He is a threat to defences because when you have Torres and Pepe together you know as a defender you cannot be watching the game. Pepe can give assists.

Benitez went on to talk about Reina's attitude to training and how the role of goalkeeper has changed over the years.

"He works hard on his kicking and you can see how good he is. He has a very good mentality and is always joking so his teammates are happy with him," said the Liverpool manager.

"When you talk about goalkeepers their job has changed. Before it was just being in the six-yard box saving shots. Now they have to be reading the game and the goalkeeper is now the sweeper.

"It is not easy for him with Spain because Casillas is doing so well, but for the level Pepe is he could play for any other country."

The Spaniard believes having a top class goalkeeper can be the difference between you winning the title and dropping vital points. Benitez was also pleased Reina had reached such a high standard of goalkeeping early in the season.

"A goalkeeper can win you the title definitely. When you are attacking all the time, he might have one save to make and that can be the difference," he continued.

"The keeper is really a key player, think of Schmeichel and Van der Sar last season for Manchester United.

"We have fantastic keepers in England but at a top side like Liverpool it is very, very difficult because normally they are not involved in the game too much.

"To see Pepe at this level from the beginning of the season is really good for us.

"He is a player who needs to be focused and concentrated because he has one or two saves to make in a game.

"He started very well against Tottenham and the other day the save from Delap against Stoke was fantastic and he dealt very well with the throw-ins.

Benitez believes Reina has only improved since he joined the club, and praised his maturity and decision making, explaining, "I think he was really good when we signed him but he now has more experience and knows exactly the style of English football. He is working hard with Xavi Valero (goalkeeping coach), he is more mature.

"He has the same qualities, but because he is more mature he is relaxed and he can make better decisions."

Argentina Coach Diego Maradona Is Watching Liverpool's Emiliano Insua - Rafael Benitez

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has claimed that Argentina national team boss Diego Maradona is monitoring the progress of Emiliano Insua, considering an international call-up for the 20-year-old.

"Maradona is watching him and the Argentina staff are monitoring the situation because they know he's doing well," Benitez told the club's official website.

"I think in the future - I don't know how long, but sooner rather than later - he will be with the national team."

Although the rising star has risen to the challenge and has proved that he is worthy of being first choice for the left-back position, the gaffer maintains that he has made no promises that the youngster will be an automatic draft into the starting line-up. Insua will have to compete with Fabio Aurelio and Andrea Dossena, who are both close to proving their fitness.

"We knew he was a player with potential and he is improving," began 'Rafa', referring to the young South American. "He already has some experience for his age and he's keen to learn. For us it's been a good addition and hopefully he'll continue playing well.

"He has to compete with Aurelio, who is a player with real quality, and with Dossena, a player with experience who is working very hard and who plays for Italy."

All said and done, the manager believes that the youngster is more than capable of stepping up to the defensive hot-plate when called upon.

"He has to compete, but he'll have his chances," he concluded.

Nemeth On AEK's Radar

Krisztian Nemeth's agent has not ruled out a loan move to AEK Athens for the promising youngster.

The Liverpool striker has been linked with a switch to the Greek side after defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos sealed a £2million transfer the other way.

Nemeth's agent Tibor Pataky claimed talks have taken place between the two clubs and he has not ruled out a loan switch for the 20-year-old Hungarian.

Pataky told www.origo.hu: "This is not a finished business but it's a fact that there have been talks between the two clubs.

"Liverpool have extended Krisztian's contract until 2012 lately and this shows that they consider him as a good prospect for the future.

"At the moment anything can happen with him."

Jamie Carragher Reveals Boxing Secret Behind His Liverpool Fitness

Liverpool's talismanic centre-back Jamie Carragher has revealed how he has used boxing this summer to remain in peak condition to help him fight for his place as his 32nd birthday draws nearer.

"I know it sounds stupid to some people but I never feel like I have cemented my place, that it can all be taken away from me very quickly," the former England international told the club's official website.

"I always try to do something different each summer to try to get that extra couple of per cent. I went boxing, I've always eaten well and now I eat to the absolute maximum.

"We are all getting older, but another way of looking at it is Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel are getting more experienced which is going to help them.

"They are coming into the prime of their careers. I am not stupid. I am 32 in January. It will happen one day."

The Reds started this season with a defeat at White Hart Lane, but followed it up with a 4-0 demolition of Stoke City at Anfield in midweek. Aston Villa are the visitors to Merseyside on Monday night, and Carragher is relishing the test that they will provide.

"I would hate to be at a club where it didn't matter, where there wasn't that pressure to win," he affirmed.

"I wouldn't say there is no point playing in those circumstances but at least you know you are playing for a proper team here."

Liverpool FC Captain Steven Gerrard To Fight Civil Court Case

Liverpool FC captain Steven Gerrard will “strenuously” fight a claim for damages from the businessman he punched in a Southport nightclub.

Gerrard was cleared of affray last month following the fight with Marcus McGee, but six of the Liverpool midfielder’s friends received suspended jail terms and community service.

Mr. McGee, 34, who lost a front tooth and suffered facial cuts in the incident last December, said he has told lawyers to begin civil action for compensation for the injuries he received.

Mr. Gerrard’s solicitor, Richard Green, said: “If proceedings are issued we will strenuously defend them.”

“In terms of any claim, my client was charged with section 47 assault but that was dropped because there was no evidence that he caused any injuries.

“I would have thought that if there was going to be a claim it would be against the six who pleaded guilty as opposed to the one who was acquitted.”

He said the first time he became aware of Mr. McGee’s intention to sue was when he read the Sunday newspapers.

“I have not spoken to my client, but I have got a fair idea of what he would say,” he added.

Mr. McGee told a Sunday newspaper that he did not believe that justice had been served in the trial.

“I still can’t believe that they all walked free – that they effectively got away with beating me up.”

“Despite reports, I am not a fan of Manchester United. That couldn’t be further from the truth because I support Manchester City.

“I have no personal axe to grind with Steven Gerrard. I just want to see fairness across the board and justice being seen to be done.

“That night my friends who run the bar asked me to look after the music. I just wish now I had changed it like I was asked and none of this would have happened.”

A jury at Liverpool Crown Court acquitted Mr. Gerrard of unjustly attacking Mr. McGee in the Lounge Inn in Southport, Merseyside, on December 29 as he celebrated Liverpool’s 5-1 demolition of Newcastle United hours earlier.

Mr. Gerrard admitted hitting Mr. McGee but denied affray, saying it was in self-defence.

Five of Mr. Gerrard’s friends admitted affray and another pleaded guilty to threatening behaviour in a fight.

They were given sentences of 18 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and were told to do 150 hours of unpaid work.

Premier League Preview: Liverpool vs Aston Villa

After their opening-round defeat at Tottenham Hotspur, many a question was raised about Liverpool’s title credentials. The departed Xabi Alonso was sorely missed at White Hart Lane, and pundits nationwide wondered aloud whether anyone in Rafael Benitez’s squad could fill the void.

Some of those questions were answered with authority on Wednesday night as the Reds stormed to a 4-0 victory over Stoke City, against whom they failed to score a single goal last season. And all of a sudden, the men from Merseyside are title contenders once more.

It proved a double good night for ‘Pool in light of Manchester United’s shock defeat at Burnley, and they will want to keep pace with their North West rivals – who thumped Wigan Athletic on the weekend – by claiming the points when they face Aston Villa this Monday.

Benitez & Co. have every right to feel confident heading into the clash; for not only are the Birmingham side yet to record a victory this season, they were on the receiving end of a 5-0 drubbing at Anfield last time these two teams met.

Unfortunately for Villa, they have started new season much as they finished old one. Two games in, they have yet to record a victory – defeat at the hands of Wigan Athletic last weekend was swiftly followed by a first-leg loss at Rapid Wien in Europa League qualifying.

Tipped to be among that ever-expanding pack of teams pushing to crack open the top four, the Villans will have to lift their game considerably if they hope to keep up with the likes of Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur in particular.

They face a tough test this week at Liverpool, but Martin O’Neill believes that his men are well capable of bouncing back from their early disappointments and securing a result against last term’s Premier League runners-up.

The Ulsterman said recently, "Last season we beat Manchester City at home, we then went to Stoke and got beaten by a very late goal and that was dispiriting to lose it. Then we fought back against Liverpool and drew at home with them... We’re capable of getting over it."


FORM GUIDE

Liverpool

Aug 19 Liverpool 4-0 Stoke City (Premier League)
Aug 16 Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Liverpool (Premier League)
Aug 08 Liverpool 1-2 Atletico Madrid (Friendly)
Aug 05 FC Lyn 0-2 Liverpool (Friendly)
Aug 02 Espanyol 3-0 Liverpool (Friendly)

Aston Villa

Aug 20 Rapid Wien 1-0 Aston Villa (Europa League)
Aug 15 Aston Villa 0-2 Wigan Athletic (Premier League)
Aug 08 Aston Villa 1-0 Fiorentina (Friendly)
Aug 04 Oxford United 2-0 Aston Villa (Friendly)
Aug 02 Juventus 0-0* Aston Villa (Friendly)


TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

There are big concerns for Benitez at the back, as Daniel Agger is scheduled to undergo back surgery and will miss around six weeks. With Martin Skrtel still sporting a sore jaw, youngster Daniel Ayala could retain his place at centre-back.

Sotirios Kyrgiakos may get the nod instead, however, if all his paperwork is approved in time. The Greek defender has just signed for the Reds from AEK Athens in a deal reported to be worth €3 million.

Fernando Torres required stitches after a nasty head-clash in the Stoke game, but the Spanish striker is expected to start against Villa. Fabio Aurelio and Alberto Aquilani remain unavailable.

Possible XI: Reina; Johnson, Carragher, Ayala, Insua; Mascherano, Lucas; Kuyt, Gerrard, Benayoun; Torres.

Aston Villa

O’Neill has problems of his own in defence, as Curtis Davies is set to miss out after re-injuring his shoulder during the midweek defeat in Vienna.

The inexperienced Shane Lowry could replace the former West Bromwich Albion stopper, although the gaffer also has the option of moving Habib Beye into the centre and shifting Luke Young to right-back.

John Carew is yet to play this season, having hobbled out of pre-season with a foot injury. A virus kept him off the plane to Austria, and he remains uncertain to make the trip to Merseyside.

Possible XI: Friedel; L. Young, Beye, Cuellar, Shorey; Milner, Petrov, Reo-Coker, A. Young; Agbonlahor, Heskey.


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Glen Johnson (Liverpool)

The England right-back has begun his Anfield career on the right and is high on life after a magnificent display against Stoke in midweek. He has brought a different dimension to his new side’s attacking play, but it will be interesting to see how his defensive game stands up against Villa.

Ashley Young (Aston Villa)

This is the man who could potentially expose whatever weaknesses Johnson possesses. The speedy winger will hurt you if given any space, and his crossing and set-piece delivery could pose problems for Liverpool’s injury-hit back line.

Benitez Anticipates Tough Season

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez does not expect the Barclays Premier League's big four to have things all their own way this season.

Benitez, who could give a debut to new Greek defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos against Aston Villa on Monday, anticipates plenty of teams taking points off the Reds, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea.

He said: "This will be a different sort of title race. Already we have lost, and so have Manchester United."

He continued: "There are other teams who can make an impact - Spurs, Manchester City, Villa - and I believe it will be a lot harder this season for the top four teams to win every game.

"Villa will be difficult for us. They have pace, experience and ability. They do very well in away games because of that and are an extremely dangerous side."

Rafa Reiterates Commitment

Rafa Benitez has promised Liverpool fans he is fully committed to the club despite speculation of an exit.

Rumours were rife that Benitez was set to quit the club in the build up to Wednesday's 4-0 win over Stoke City after a reported argument with club owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

However, Benitez laughed off the reports and his side responded in style with a ruthless display against the Potters to get their season up and running after an opening weekend defeat to Tottenham.

The Spaniard has now assured fans there was no truth in the gossip and has promised to honour the five-year contract he signed earlier this year.

He said: "I can tell everyone that my commitment to the club is still there.

"When I signed the new contract it was because of the fans, because of the staff and because of the players.

"I told everyone I will stay - it was my decision. I'm really pleased here and I'd like to stay for the length of my contract. The fans know this so that's the most important thing for me.

"The problem here is that rumours go around very, very quickly. Even people who know me wanted to know what was happening. They all asked: 'Are you going? What happened?' I was even surprised myself."

The 49-year-old is no stranger to speculation surrounding his future and has previous experience of dealing with such matters on the eve of a big game.

He said: "We had a situation similar to this one when we played Real Madrid in the Champions League. It was a surprise then, but we won the game.

"This time I got messages when I was preparing for the game against Stoke. They came through on my phone.

"We had a team talk and then came the messages. I had to concentrate, but no-one expected that. I don't know how, but someone started talk about this and the rumour grew.

"I can guarantee, though, nothing affected me as I was preparing for Stoke."

Rafa: Glen Can Hit The Goal Trail

Rafael Benitez has backed Glen Johnson to aid Liverpool's title push by becoming a regular name on the scoresheet.

The Reds boss has been delighted with the attacking flair the right-back has shown since joining the club in the summer and is confident the England man can go close to hitting double figures this season.

"I don't want to give him any targets, but I think he can score between five and 10 for us because he is really good going forward and normally we are an attacking team," Benitez told radio journalists at his pre-match press conference at Melwood yesterday.

"I think he will get somewhere between the figures you mention.

"We analysed him after watching him in a number of games and knew we were bringing in a player with lots of quality who could get forward and score goals.

"He is a player who will work hard and I think he will aim to improve the defensive part of his game. I remember the first time I spoke to him and he told me he was keen to learn. He was happy because we told him we could help him and he is doing really well."

Asked if he felt playing alongside the likes of Martin Skrtel, Daniel Agger and Jamie Carragher will help boost the defensive side of Johnson's game, Benitez said: "Yes, I think it is important for him to play with these players because they will talk to him throughout matches and offer him advice on how to do things.

"I also think that working with Sammy (Lee) and Pellegrino will help him improve too. I am sure that at the end of the season we will be talking about a very good defender with a good offensive mentality."

Kennedy Set For New Challenge

Former Academy defender Joe Kennedy is preparing for a new life away from football.

The 18-year-old was released by the Reds during the summer but is now celebrating after being accepted on to a sports science degree course at John Moores University.

Academy Education and welfare officer Phil Roscoe said: "Joe is an individual who has demonstrated a committed and focused attitude towards not only his football but his education whilst he has been at Liverpool Football Club.

"Obviously it is tough for any scholarship player to deal with the fact that he has been released from a club and for Joe this has been no different.

"Joe has reacted to this in an extremely positive manner and, using the qualifications he has gained whilst being in the education programme at the club, has been able to enrol on a sports science degree at John Moores University.

"We wish Joe all the best for the future and as a club will also carry on supporting Joe's education and welfare during this period."

Kennedy skippered the under-18s last season as they made it all the way to an FA Youth Cup final against Arsenal.

New Signing Kyrgiakos Eyeing Up Late-Career Glory As Greek International Completes Anfield Switch

Liverpool's new Greek defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos plans to capitalise on his unexpected chance to be successful at the very highest level.

The 30-year-old central defender has signed a two-year contract at Anfield after a £2million move from AEK Athens.

Kyrgiakos was unlucky to miss Greece's Euro 2004 success through injury, and had to sit and watch his countrymen lift the title in Portugal.

Since then he has had spells at Rangers in Scotland and Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany.

And almost out of the blue he has been offered the chance to make his mark with the five-time European champions as he approaches the final years of his career.

Kyrgiakos is very much a cheap option for Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez due to the cash problems at Anfield.

But, unveiled today at the club's Melwood training ground, Kyrgiakos admitted it was an offer he just could not refuse.

He said: 'I am very happy to have this chance at Liverpool. I know I had just signed a new contract with AEK.

'But although it was a good contract, you never stop having ambitions in life, and that is why I am here.

'When you are approached by a club like Liverpool, it is an offer you just cannot refuse.

'I hope that I can bring my strength to this squad, I am good in the air and I have a lot of experience now, so I hope I can be of benefit to Liverpool.

'There are a lot of real quality players here, so I hope to add to their squad and I know they will help me settle down here.

'I have played for Rangers in Scotland and Frankfurt in Germany, which has given me a lot of experience of competitive leagues so I believe I will adapt quickly.'

Kyrgiakos is expected to be in Liverpool's squad on Monday for the home league game against Aston Villa.

He said: 'I do not know yet whether I will be playing on Monday against Aston Villa, that is up to the manager, but I will be ready if needed.

'I know that there have not been many Greek players who have been successful in the English game, so I feel that I have something to prove for my country, that we can play at this level.

'For me it is a chance to have success at the very top. I was injured when Greece were European champions in 2004, these things happen in football.

'So I have plenty of motivation to do well in the Premier League and help Liverpool to be successful.'

He added: "I only found out on Monday that Liverpool were interested, it was a surprise but I could not say no to this club, and I hope AEK fans understand. I will always have a place in my heart for them.

'My time at Rangers will help me play in England. I am a physical player and it will suit my game playing here.

'I had a few disciplinary problems in Scotland, but not too much. I feel I have learned now how to be physical in this style of football.

'This is the best stage for me to play football, I understand Liverpool's traditions and I am proud to have this chance. I have come to the best club, the biggest club.'

Liverpool Debts Mean That Rafa Benitez's Spending Days Are Over

Rafa Benitez's hopes of challenging Manchester United to end Liverpool's 19-year wait for a title seem to have been extinguished already after he was told last week that the remainder of his transfer budget for the summer would be £2million - a revelation which seems to have prompted the highly-charged midweek atmosphere at Melwood and the reports that the manager was poised to quit.

Benitez, whose relationship with owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett has been strained since they took over the club, denied that but admitted yesterday that following the signing of AEK Athens defender Sotirios Krygiakos for a fee said to be close to £2m, that his spending looked to be over for now.

'I don't think there will be more,' he said.

Given that the reported £18.5m fee for Glen Johnson amounted to little more than £10m, once money Portsmouth still owed for Peter Crouch had been taken into account, and the £20m fee for Roma's Alberto Aquliani was offset by the £30m received for Xabi Alonso, Benitez in effect has had no additional transfer funds.

It is difficult not to draw the conclusion that Hicks and Gillett's debt has scuppered any chance of building on last year's second-place finish.

I Have Joined The Best Club In Europe – Liverpool’s Sotirios Kyrgiakos

Liverpool’s newest recruit Sotirios Kyrgiakos has claimed that he joined the Reds because he believes they are the best club in Europe.

The defender swapped AEK Athens for Anfield this week for a fee in the region of €3 million and he is clearly delighted with his decision.

Speaking in an interview with the club’s official website, www.liverpoolfc.tv, the Greek centre-back explained that joining the Merseysiders was too good an opportunity to turn down.

“When I found out it was Liverpool, I didn't have to think too hard about it,” he said.

“I'm 30 years-old now, so it's a fantastic opportunity for me to join a club like Liverpool.”

Kyrgiakos also described his style of play and admitted that he was hoping to become a regular in Rafael Benitez’s side.

“I would say I am a physical player in the way I like to defend. I am aggressive in the way I jump to head the ball but I always aim to play within the rules of the game,” he explained.

“First of all, I want to establish myself as a starting player. Then, I hope to help the club achieve the goals it has already set. I believe I am at the best age for me to take on this challenge because of the experience I now have.”

Kyrgiakos also confessed that he was well aware of Liverpool’s history and insisted they were the continent’s top team.

“Everyone is aware of Liverpool's traditions,” he added.

“I have come here because I believe they are the best club in Europe.”

Premier League Title Race Is Wide Open - Jamie Carragher

Veteran centre-back Jamie Carragher believes the Premier League will go right down to the wire this season.

"The title race will be open. Manchester United have lost Cristiano Ronaldo and, hopefully, Fernando Torres will be fit all season for us," Carragher told the Daily Express.

"You never write off someone as good as Arsene Wenger. Cesc Fabregas was injured a bit last season, but Andrey Arshavin looks a top player and Theo Walcott will benefit from another year's experience," he added.

The Liverpool defender said his side are at a disadvantage in the transfer market, but despite this, he thinks the Reds have some high quality players.

"There are a few clubs who have got more money than us. Real Madrid, United, Chelsea and, obviously, Manchester City have come on the scene.

"I still think City would like a lot more of our players," said Carragher.

Even though he has been a mainstay in the Liverpool defence for a considerable time, the Liverpudlian refuses to rest on his laurels and admits the fear of being dropped drives him forward.

"The reason I am that type of player is fear really. It's fear of losing my place," he explained.

"I know it sounds stupid to some people but I never feel like I have cemented my place, that it can all be taken away from me very quickly.

"I always try to do something different each summer to try to get that extra couple of per cent. I went boxing, I've always eaten well and now I eat to the absolute maximum," said the 32-year-old.

"We are all getting older, but another way of looking at it is Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel are getting more experienced, which is going to help them.

"They are coming into the prime of their careers. I am not stupid. I am 32 in January. It will happen one day."

Rafa Issues Babel Warning

Rafa Benitez has warned Ryan Babel he is fighting for his Liverpool future following his failure to make an impression at Anfield.

The Dutch forward has shown only glimpses of his true talent following a big-money move from Ajax in 2007.

Benitez has shown patience with his £11.5million capture but now feels the 22-year-old is underperforming having had time to adapt to English football.

While admitting he will give the Amsterdam-born wide man further opportunities to impress, Benitez has issued a blunt message with regards what he expects this season.

"Ryan has to give something to us this time and he knows it," said Benitez.

"He will have opportunities to prove himself with so many games coming up, but it is important he has the right mentality.

"Maybe there were some problems adapting to a new style when he arrived as a young player.

"He knows what is going on here now and hopefully can perform better. He accepts he has to perform at a different level this year."

John Aldridge: Massive Year Ahead For Liverpool FC's Fringe Players

The performance against Stoke was the perfect response to last Sunday’s setback at Tottenham.

What happened at White Hart Lane was hugely disappointing.

It looked to me as though a lot of players needed to get 90 minutes under their belts.

Pre-season wasn’t the best with players coming back late and other things happening plus the injuries.

I don’t think the team that started at Spurs had played enough minutes together. Tottenham’s preparations were better and it showed as they were a yard quicker than us in the first half.

It took until the second half for us to get going but the lack of options on the bench underlined the problems.

Our second string players just aren’t quite up to it. It’s a massive season for the fringe players and when they get a chance they have to take it.

Ryan Babel has had so many chances but for me he doesn’t seem to want it badly enough. Babel seemed to let the game pass him by and if he’s not careful his Liverpool career will pass him by as well.

Yossi Benayoun made a big difference when he came on and showed he wants to make that position his own.

Everyone was looking for a reaction against Stoke and we got it.

Glen Johnson has really impressed and given us a new dimension going forward. Teams have been doubling up on him and that creates space in other areas for the likes of Steven Gerrard to exploit.

Rafa has clearly told his full-backs to get forward whenever they get the chance and their contribution is going to be pivotal.

It was a baptism of fire for young Daniel Ayala against a team who play percentage football but he did well. He showed he has got talent and those 90 minutes will do him the world of good.

A lot has been said about Lucas.

In the last couple of years he hasn’t really warranted a place in the team but with Xabi Alonso gone he now has an opportunity to show what he can do.

Give the lad some credit, he has done OK in the two games so far and now he needs to build on that.

Rafa has clearly seen something in him that fans and ex-players haven’t.

We only say or write what we see and give our opinion. The fact is I would love nothing more than Lucas to succeed at Liverpool.

Aston Villa come to Anfield on Monday and we must take the game to them in the same way we did last March. That 5-0 win was fantastic and they will be worried about a repeat.

Cobblers Seal Threlfall Capture

Northampton Town have signed Liverpool youngster Robbie Threlfall on an initial one-month lean deal.

The 20-year-old full-back is a regular for the Reds' reserve side, while he has twice tasted FA Youth Cup success during his time at Anfield.

He spent much of the 2007/08 season on loan at Hereford, while he took in similar spells with the Bulls and Stockport County last term.

"Robbie is a good young player with a good pedigree," Cobblers boss Stuart Gray told the club's official website.

"He is a natural left-back and with the injuries to Liam Davis and Danny Jackman we have been a bit short in that area.

"He already has some Football League experience and hopefully he can add to that while he is here.

"He is a young player who is keen to play first team football and make an impact, and I am sure he will do well for us."

Liverpool's Fabio Aurelio Back In Training

After all the defensive set-backs to Liverpool squad in recent times, the Reds finally have something to cheer about, as full-back Fabio Aurelio has resumed training at Melwood.

The former Valencia defender suffered a knee injury during the summer, which meant that he was unable to wear a red shirt for the start of the Merseyside club's 2009-10 campaign.

But manager Rafael Benitez has revealed that the 29-year-old is now back in training and is edging towards a return to the first team.

"Aurelio was training yesterday," Benitez revealed on the club's official website.

"I was watching him and he did well."

The manager confirmed that Aurelio is on a different training regime in order to ease his way into the rigours of first team football, but maintained that he is close to making a comeback for the Reds.

"He is not training with the team," the Spaniard stated.

"But he is working with the fitness coach and is very close. We will have to see if he has any other problems, but he is very close."

Reds Complete Kyrgiakos Transfer

Greece international Sotirios Kyrgiakos has completed his transfer to Liverpool and signed a two-year contract.

The 30-year-old has passed a medical to finalise his switch from AEK Athens, and will go straight into the squad for Monday's Barclays Premier League home match against Aston Villa at Anfield.

He is likely to partner Jamie Carragher in the heart of defence, taking the place of teenager Daniel Ayala who made his full debut in Wednesday's 4-0 win over Stoke.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is without two key defenders through injury. Danish centre-back Daniel Agger will have an operation on his back in Germany on Tuesday, and will be out for six weeks.

Martin Skrtel is still struggling with a damaged jaw, sustained at Tottenham last weekend, and is not expected to be fit to face Villa.

Benitez has been searching for defensive cover for weeks, having tried to sign Ryan Shawcross and Michael Turner. He was also linked this week with West Ham's Matthew Upson.

But Liverpool's owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks are believed to have put the block on any further major signings, meaning that Benitez has had to search for the cheaper options.

He has snapped up Kyrgiakos for £2million, and said of his latest signing: "He has had experience in Scotland with Rangers, and in Germany with Eintracht Frankfurt as well as with the Greek national side.

"He is strong and good in the air, and we were looking for experience and he is the perfect answer."

Kyrgiakos, who has been capped 50 times by Greece and will be unveiled to the media tomorrow, described his decision to move to England as "the biggest challenge of my career".

The tough-tackling defender moved back to Greece in 2008 after one season at Rangers and two with Eintracht Frankfurt.

Benitez maintains that Kyrgiakos will be an excellent signing for the Reds, saying: "He is a tough defender who is strong and good in the air.

"He has a strong character and we were looking for these things.

"He can score goals and will be a threat from corners and free-kicks. He is very strong in defence but he will need time as always to settle into the Premier League. He will be a very good signing for us.

"We knew the player when he was with Rangers and we've been watching videos of him at Frankfurt and the national team. Our scout department had a lot of information.

"We have talked about the things he has done before and the things he will have to do for us. It was good. He knows what we want and he's ready to work."

Benitez claims the acquisition of Kyrgiakos will be of benefit to young defenders such as Martin Kelly and Ayala.

He said: "It will be positive. I was talking with Ayala about this. When the young players see someone with experience it is positive because they can learn from them.

"It also means they have more time. If they have to play some games they can but they are not under pressure."

Kyrgiakos' arrival will alleviate Benitez's injury problems in defence.

Benitez is still hopeful that Agger could return before too long.

He said: "If everything goes well it won't take too much time, maybe a few weeks."

Benitez confirmed he will make a late decision on the fitness of Skrtel ahead of Monday's match against Villa.

The Slovakian is still recovering following a clash of heads with Jamie Carragher against Tottenham, and missed the midweek game with Stoke.

Benitez said: "He is training. We had to decide on Wednesday about him, but it was too soon to take any risks. Okay, we'll see on Monday."

One player who will be fit despite requiring stitches to his eyebrow after a collision in the win over Stoke is striker Fernando Torres.

Benitez added: "He has some stitches but he is okay. He is training with his team-mates and I think he will be okay for Monday."

Benitez: No Need For Ref Alert

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez insists Sotirios Kyrgiakos will not fall foul of Premier League referees despite his reputation as a footballing hardman.

Greece international Kyrgiakos has signed for £2million from AEK Athens, and the 6ft 5in centre-back will be embarking on his second spell in British football.

The 30-year-old brings an aggressive presence, and in his 18-month spell with Rangers which ended three years ago he picked up three red cards.

But Benitez is confident his latest recruit has matured since those days in the SPL.

Benitez said: "Ever since Sami Hyypia left the club we have been looking for a player with this amount of experience and skill.

"He is the kind of player we needed. Strong in the air, he is physical and can give us something different in defence.

"He did have a few problems in Scotland with red cards, but I am not concerned. He is matured a lot since then and can channel the physical side of his game properly.

"Kyrgiakos is a very strong player. Everyone will remember him at Rangers and with Frankfurt, and also the Greek national side.

"He is aggressive, very strong and a physical presence in both areas. We were looking for a player who could compete and tackle."

Benitez has yet to decide whether to bring Kyrgiakos straight into the side for Monday's home clash with Aston Villa.

Martin Skrtel, despite a broken jaw, may still have a chance of playing while teenager Daniel Ayala is again standing by.

Benitez said: "We certainly needed a new defender. Daniel Agger will have an operation next week on his back, and he may well be out for a few weeks.

"He has had problems with his back before, but this is different and not the old injury. That is why I feel he will not be out as long as people think, four or five weeks maximum.

"Skrtel has a broken jaw, and although he can train and has been today, we have to decide whether we can take the risk with him.

"Ayala did well in the Stoke match, but he is young and was a little nervous at the beginning. He improved as the game went on and we were pleased with him.

"But having signed Kyrgiakos, we have that cover now and a player with experience that Dani can learn from.

"I feel Kyrgiakos can compete with Agger, Skrtel and Carragher. He gives us a different option as well as a massive physical presence.

"We needed someone like this to compete and be aggressive. He has done that in Scotland so well feel he can be good here.

"I am not worried about any previous disciplinary problems, he has more experience now and knows how to manage situations.

"I do not think he will be worried about the physical aspect of the game in England.

"He also knows that there is a lot of competition already here. This is a top side and he will have to fight for his place and also be supportive of his colleagues."

Kyrgiakos was unlucky to miss Greece's Euro 2004 success through injury, and had to sit and watch his countrymen lift the title in Portugal.

Unveiled today at the club's Melwood training ground, Kyrgiakos admitted the chance to join Liverpool was an offer he just could not refuse.

He said: "I am very happy to have this chance even though I had just signed a new contract with AEK.

"But although it was a good contract, you never stop having ambitions in life, and that is why I am here.

"When you are approached by a club like Liverpool, it is an offer you just cannot refuse.

"I hope that I can bring my strength to this squad, I am good in the air and I have a lot of experience now, so I hope I an be of benefit to Liverpool.

"I have played for Rangers in Scotland and Frankfurt in Germany, that has given me a lot of experience of competitive leagues so I believe I will adapt quickly."

He added: "I know that there have not been many Greek players who have been successful in the English game, so I feel that I have something to prove for my country, that we can play at this level.

"For me it is a chance to have success at the very top. I was injured when Greece were European champions in 2004, these things happen in football.

"So I have plenty of motivation to do well in the Premier League and help Liverpool to be successful.

"I had a few disciplinary problems in Scotland, but not too much. I feel I have learned now how to be physical in this style of football."

Davies Wary Of Torres Threat

Curtis Davies has hailed Fernando Torres as "one of the best strikers in the world" and warned that Aston Villa will have to be at their best to contain the Liverpool star in Monday's Premier League clash at Anfield.

Central defender Davies is looking for Villa to erase the memory of last season's 5-0 drubbing in the corresponding fixture, and bounce back quickly from last night's single goal reversal by Rapid Vienna in the Europa League first leg qualifier.

Davies is battling to overcome a shoulder injury in time to face the Reds, but is aware whoever is in action faces a demanding test of their abilities if they are to shackle Torres.

The former West Brom skipper said: "You can't have special plans for a player like Torres because he's one of the best strikers in the world.

"If you make a plan for him he'll do something different. He's that good a player. Last year we didn't do well against Liverpool - but at least he was quiet - and the year before we did well when we drew 2-2.

"We play against top players every week but they don't get any bigger than Torres.

"We'll have to be on our game and hopefully it'll be more like the scoreline of two years ago than of last season."

Davies is aware of the need for Villa to chalk up their first win of the campaign after being being beaten at home by Wigan in the opening league encounter last weekend, when they were booed off the pitch.

But the former England Under-21 player knows the doom and gloom can be quickly lifted with a couple of positive results.

He said: "It's very important to get our first points on the board because Fulham at home the Sunday after next will be a tough game as well.

"If we can get a point against Liverpool, and go into the return with Rapid Vienna and Fulham game positively, then we can hopefully go into the international break with a decent standing in the table."

Davies has been dogged by shoulder problems in recent years and it had previously flared up in pre-season during the Peace Cup tournament in Spain.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill is hoping Davies can avoid surgery in the immediate future, particularly as he has only two experienced centre-backs in the ex-Luton player and Carlos Cuellar at his disposal at present.

Davies said: ""I don't know about Monday. It's one of those situations where I'll try and give it a go but I'll have to see what the doctors say.

"It came out [the shoulder] against Porto in the Peace Cup and I was back playing two days later against Juventus so we'll wait and see."

I Will Play Anywhere To Play Regularly For Liverpool - Yossi Benayoun

Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun has revealed he is happy to play wherever his manager ask him, if it means starting regularly.

The Israel captain has made several appearances off the bench for the Anfield club but is hopeful that his versatility can finally secure a starting spot.

Benayoun told Liverpool's official website, "Every player wants to start every game but it is the manager's decision to decide who is to start and who will not, so every time that I get my chance I just try to do my best.

"Even if I only get to come on for 10 or 20 minutes or, like on Wednesday night, when I get to start I always give my all. I always try my best to impress."

The twenty-nine-year old has won many fans with his attitude towards the game, both at club and national level.

In the Euro 2008 qualification round Benayoun received several injections in order to be available for Israel's match against Croatia.

Benayoun played through the pain barrier with an effort that ruled him out of action for his then club side, West Ham United, for several weeks.

The versatile midfielder admits he wants to play more but believes the best way to do that is to work hard and impress his manager.

"Of course I want to start more and more games but my job is to work hard and try to prove myself and this is what I try to do," he added.

"I like to play from the left. A few years ago for the national team in Israel I always played on the left and I enjoy it.

"I am able to cut inside to the middle and get plenty of the ball, which makes it a bit easier. But I will be happy to play anywhere."

Benayoun has made 91 appearances for Liverpool since his move from West Ham in 2007, scoring 20 goals.

Hibernian's Sol Bamba Claims Liverpool Interest

Souleymane 'Sol' Bamba appears to see his future away from Hibernian's Easter Road ground, and claims interest from some interesting names: French outfits Lorient and Grenoble, and also Premier League big guns Liverpool.

The 24-year-old former Paris Saint-Germain youngster first came to Scottish football with Dunfermline, before moving on to Hibs.

Liverpool have moved for Sotirios Kyrgiakos - who previously played in Scotland for Rangers - in terms of boosting their options in the centre of defence, yet the Ivory Coast international is adamant.

"I've been told by my agent there has been a lot of interest in me in the summer," Bamba told The Daily Record.

"Liverpool, Lorient and Grenoble are all following me, and obviously it's flattering.

"Any player would be attracted to a club of Liverpool's size, but I can't think too much about that until there is a concrete offer from them."

Hibernian appointed John Hughes as their new manager this summer, and the gaffer is unlikely to be thrilled to see the stopper looking outside of the green half of Edinburgh.

Diakhate Coy On Reds Link

Pape Diakhate has admitted that he is flattered to be a reported target of Premier League giants Liverpool.

The Reds are believed to be keen to strengthen their defensive options before the end of the transfer window, and have been linked with a number of potential targets.

Dynamo Kiev ace Diakhate is the latest name to be thrown into the rumour mill, with the Reds reported to have had the Senegal international watched on several occasions.

The 25-year-old insists no official approach has been made as yet from any of the clubs chasing his signature, but he accepts that anything could happen before the end of the month.

"I am wanted by several clubs," Diakhate told skysports.com.

"I am not saying anything about Liverpool, Bordeaux or anyone at the moment.

"I am happy the way things are, I have a contract until 2011, and everything will be sorted out by 31st August.

"To be linked with a huge club like Liverpool does make you feel valued, though, and makes you dream of what could be."

Daniel Agger Set To Go Under The Knife As Liverpool Boss Benitez Faces More Defensive Worry

Daniel Agger faces up to two months on the sidelines after being booked in for surgery on his back injury.

The Liverpool centre-back will have an operation in France on Tuesday and has pencilled in Denmark's World Cup qualifiers with Sweden and Hungary in the middle of October for his comeback.

Rafa Benitez is short of cover after he missed out on his main defensive target Matthew Upson.

Benitez realised the extent of his cash restraints when the bank blocked a proposed £17million bid for West Ham centre-back Upson, though he did succeed with a near-£2m move for AEK Athens defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos.

Rafael Benitez Hits Out Lucas Leiva's Critics

Rafael Benitez has hit out at Lucas Leiva's critics following the Liverpool midfielder's call-up for Brazil's forthcoming World Cup qualifiers.

The Liverpool manager has become increasingly annoyed at the criticism of the 22-year-old, and has suggested he is an easy target compared to more established stars.

"Lucas has a very good mentality. But for someone of his age to suffer such criticism from the experts on TV is wrong," he said.

"He is so good but still he was criticised. I do not understand why they do not criticise other players, more senior players, when they do not play well. He is an easy target and maybe they are not brave enough to criticise the bigger players here."

He added: "But he will have a big season. He was the best player in pre-season and at Spurs, when we did not play well, he was still one of the best alongside Glen Johnson and Pepe Reina.

"Against Stoke he again showed his quality. He has a very good mentality. He can tackle, win headers and pass the ball. He will make mistakes like anyone, but he is and will be a very good player. I was really pleased for Lucas, in particular, after the win against Stoke and his performance.

"I have been really surprised at the amount of criticism he has had to cope with from the pundits, the so-called experts. Lucas is still a young player but he has experience. And after the display against Stoke everyone can see, even the so-called experts on TV pundit panels, can see he is a very good player.

"Hopefully they will now stop using him as a target. He is a very good lad, an excellent professional. I find it hard to understand that if you are an expert on TV, you cannot see these things."

Lucas will be in Liverpool's midfield on Monday for the home game with Aston Villa, and he has earned a call-up for Brazil for their crucial World Cup ties against Argentina and Chile next month.

Everything Was Easier In Brazil - Liverpool's Lucas Leiva

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has admitted that he found adjusting to life in England a challenge.

The Brazilian international has been handed the tough task of replacing Spanish international Xabi Alonso at anfield this season and admits he found the game much easier back in Brazil.

He told Liverpool's official website, "Back in Brazil everything seemed to progress perfectly from when I was a kid. I played well, scored goals and won titles - it was easy.

"When I moved to Liverpool it was suddenly different and I've had some difficult moments. However, these experiences can help me. They have made me stronger."

The twenty-two-year-old is confident he can help Liverpool push on towards an historic Premier league title and is hopeful of adjusting his game to become more of an attacking influence for the club.

"I realised I had to be stronger. I've done plenty of work in pre-season so I'm better able to cope with the physical side of the game here," he added.


"I feel stronger. I'm playing well and I'm enjoying it here. I hope that continues.

"Now, I think I'll be able to get forward more and believe I can have a good year and help us challenge for the title again."

Liverpool's Lucas Leiva Weary Of Media Attention

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has revealed that he is beginning to feel weary of the spotlight after taking centre-stage following Xabi Alonso's transfer to Real Madrid.

"Every time I speak to anyone they always ask me to try to find out how I am playing," Lucas told the Liverpool Daily Post.

"But when the team play well it helps everyone.

"I’m just trying to do my best for the team. I want to do well for myself, but the first thing is to help the team win.

"I’m playing well and training well, doing things in the right way, so now I just have to keep going."

The 22-year-old reiterated that Alonso's departure to Spain does not mean that he will fill the role of the pass-master.

"Some people have said ‘Lucas might fill Xabi’s boots’," he continued.

"But his departure doesn’t mean that. It is an opportunity for a few players.

"The boss has options. He can use Stevie [Steven Gerrard] in midfield or [Alberto] Aquilani when he’s fit, or maybe me or Jay Spearing. Nothing is guaranteed."

The rising star then went on to speak of the game against Stoke City at Anfield, where the hosts ran out 4-0 victors.

"We knew they would defend a lot and Rafa [Rafael Benitez] said to me to play a little bit higher, so that Javier [Mascherano] can get the ball and I can get forward more often," he said.

"Playing higher up is the key to beating the smaller teams, who just come to defend."

The 1-0 defeat suffered by Manchester United at Turf Moor against Burnley suggested that this year could see the Premier League title being a tightly fought contest.

"I am sure United, Chelsea and Arsenal will be strong at home and we have to be too," remarked the former Gremio player.

"It will again be a difficult competition to win but we know we have the quality to do that [win the Premier League]."

Glen Johnson Looking To Build On Flying Start To Life At Liverpool

Glen Johnson admits he could hardly have expected a better start to his Anfield career after the England full-back put in an impressive performance during the 4-0 win over Stoke on Wednesday night.

The £18m summer signing scored a sublime finish on his home debut and helped to create two more in a devastating display of attacking full-back play down the right.

And Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez and skipper Steven Gerrard were lining up to praise Johnson, who turns 25 on Saturday.

Even in defeat at Spurs last weekend Johnson was the Liverpool star turn, winning a penalty with a battling run into the box and attacking on the flank whenever the chance came along, much to his delight.

'It has been absolutely brilliant for me so far at Liverpool,' said Johnson. 'The lads and everyone at the club have been fantastic.

'It was great to run out at Anfield, and to get the three points and keep a clean sheet made it a perfect night for me.

'To score a goal made it even better. Obviously it was brilliant to score my first for Liverpool and to do it on my home debut was amazing, but the win was more important to get us out of the starting blocks.

'It was great to be part of the home side here for a change. As an opponent the hairs stand up on the back of your neck when the fans at Anfield sing 'You'll Never Walk Alone,' so to hear them singing it for you is very special.

'At a club like Liverpool you don't want to lose any match, so to lose the first game of the season was disappointing.

'But the lads showed great character to put that behind us and hopefully we can go on a good run now.'

Captain Steven Gerrard praised his international team-mate, saying: 'We saw what Glen will offer this team with the run that won the penalty at Spurs.

'He cut inside and left people for dead. He showed similar form against Stoke and was outstanding on the right for us.'

Rafa Benitez's decision to add an attacking full-back to his squad who could make an impact in tough home games where teams defend in depth was vindicated.

'We were looking for a player with quality going forward, to produce more chances from the wide areas.' the Spaniard said.

'We knew Johnson could score goals. From set-pieces he is dangerous, we initially worked with (Javier) Mascherano in that close-in position by the keeper at corners, but decided to change because Johnson was proving to be good in that role.

'His goal was proof of that. He can give us something more on the right, he can play almost as a winger with good distribution when he goes forward.

'And that allows Kuyt to move inside also to support Torres. Last season we had too many home draws, and that cost us.

'I felt that an attacking full-back like Johnson would give us something extra, and his display underlined that view.'

Liverpool Need To Ease The Burden On Torres

Rafael Benitez seems to be pleading poverty over Liverpool’s transfer budget but I don’t want to hear it. It’s not a lack of money that might de-rail the club’s hopes of winning the title, it’s the way the manager has chosen to spend what funds he had at his disposal.

Only £1.5 million left to buy a centre back? Then why splash out £18.5m on Glen Johnson earlier in the summer? Add in the £20m for Alberto Aquilani and Benitez has spent nearly £40m on an injured midfield player and a right back. I find it strange.

Johnson looked good against Stoke City but his defensive shortcomings will be exposed by stronger opponents. My two problems with his signing is that he is overpriced (Portsmouth have had to sell to survive during the summer) and right back should not have been Liverpool’s priority.

It wasn’t a strength but it wasn’t a problem area either. Jamie Carragher can do a decent job there if need be. Alvaro Arbeloa, sold to Real Madrid for £3.5m, is actually a more solid defender than Johnson. Portsmouth must have thought they had Manchester City on the telephone making the offer, not Liverpool.

There’s nothing wrong with buying big as long as you’re buying in the right areas and it is obvious that Liverpool were and are in dire need of an experienced striker to ease the burden on Fernando Torres. Both Andriy Voronin and David Ngog are not the solution. Voronin showed in his first season that he’s the poor man’s Diego Forlan, not good enough for the Barclays Premier League; and Ngog might be a player one day, but he’s not going to help you win the title this year.

The pressure on Torres will be so great that I wonder whether he’ll have as prolific a year as he should. Liverpool will rely on Steven Gerrard to link up with the Spaniard or he’ll become isolated. If Torres isn’t getting involved, the temptation will be for Liverpool to pump the ball long out of desperation but that doesn’t suit his game and defenders will clatter a player who we know is prone to niggling injuries.

Liverpool’s best XI is a very good side but there isn’t the depth in attack that Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal or even Tottenham Hotspur have. If United only had Wayne Rooney up front, how many people would tip them for the title?

Benitez has done great things at Anfield but he does seem to have blind spots. It’s almost as if the failure of Robbie Keane at Liverpool has put him off buying another striker - as if the manager is worried about a second high-priced forward proving a flop. He didn’t give Keane much of a chance to prove himself. Yet it’s so clear that a centre forward to take the heat off Torres is no less vital now than a year ago when Keane joined.

Sir Alex Ferguson didn’t stop signing passing midfield players just because Juan Sebastian Veron was a flop. He decided that was the kind of player he needed, so he went for Michael Carrick, who worked out. That’s a far more logical transfer strategy than the one we’re seeing at Liverpool.

Liverpool On The Verge Of €11.5m Bid For Real Madrid's Rafael van der Vaart

Liverpool are reportedly set to launch a €11.5 million bid to bring in Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur target Rafael van der Vaart to Anfield.

According to a report in Sport, Rafael Benitez is on the verge of offering Real Madrid €11.5m for the highly-rated midfielder, although many reports have claimed that he has little or no money left to spend over the next two weeks.

The Dutchman has been constantly linked to a host of clubs throughout Europe this summer as a second Galactico era rises in the Spanish capital.

The recent comments by the 26-year-old, stating that he would not be joining another Spanish club, led to him being linked with a move to the Premier League, and a chance to play in the Champions League under the Reds' banner may be difficult to pass up.

This suggestion remains in stark contrast to earlier reports from England, which seemed to point towards 'Rafa' having little more than scraps to play with in the transfer market.

Benitez Rubbishes Rumours Of Liverpool Exit

Rafael Benitez pledged his 100 per cent commitment to Liverpool after rumours that he was set to quit Anfield.

Benitez, whose side cruised to a 4-0 victory over Stoke at Anfield, was speaking after pre-match whispers swept Merseyside claiming that the Spaniard was ready to quit over lack of transfer funds given to him by the club's American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

"I am 100 per cent committed to the club," Benitez said. "I was told about the rumours before the game. Maybe it's something that can happen here. But I am staying here for the fans, the staff and the players."

After watching his side coast to their first victory of the campaign, Benitez also said he was on the brink of signing Greek defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos from AEK Athens for two million pounds.

The former Rangers player is due to undergo a medical in the next 24 hours with a view to joining the club ahead of next Monday's home game with Aston Villa.

"We've nearly done a deal," added Benitez.

The arrival of Kyrgiakos will ease a defensive crisis which robbed Benitez of Daniel Agger (back) and Martin Skrtel (jaw) because of injury.

Benitez gave 18-year-old Daniel Ayala his senior debut alongside Jamie Carragher at the heart of the defence against Stoke.

Yet the 6ft 3in Spanish teenager, a former Seville youth player, did not let his side down as he produced a mature performance which encouraged his manager.

"Daniel was a bit nervous to start with but in the end he had a very good game," said Benitez.

"We will see what happens with him but he has got to keep working."

Liverpool's first win of the season was inspired by Fernando Torres. Having been slated for his sluggish performance three days earlier during a 2-1 defeat at Tottenham, the Spain forward scored one and made another as Benitez's side made easy work of sweeping aside Stoke.

Liverpool failed to score against Stoke in 180 minutes of Premier League action last season but once Torres opened the scoring in the fourth minute, it was straight forward for last season's runners-up.

Glen Johnson, an 18 million pounds signing from Portsmouth, marked his home debut by doubling the lead before half time before late goals by Dirk Kuyt and substitute David Ngog sealed an emphatic victory.

Benitez was particularly pleased for Johnson.

"I was looking for a player with quality going forward. That's why I signed him," he said.

"He created a lot of chances and was a threat in attack.

"I was also pleased with Lucas Leiva, he has taken a lot of unfair criticism from the pundits which is not fair. He is a fine professional and a very good player, our best in pre-season."

Liverpool Recruit Sotiris Kyrgiakos Reveals Reasoning Behind AEK Athens Exit

Rafael Benitez's steady recruitment policy, that has already seen him bring in the high-profile coups of in-demand full back.

Glen Johnson and Xabi Alonso's replacement Alberto Aquilani, continued with AEK Athens star Sotiris Kyrgiakos, and the Greek international explained the switch to his fans on his official website.

"Last week I said I was an AEK player for the next four years and meant that.

"But then I received the biggest challenge of my career.

"I fully understand it came at the worst possible moment for the team, but the fact that I had the chance to play for Liverpool is a huge challenge."

The centre-back will rival Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel for a first team spot.

Liverpool have also been linked with a move for Stoke City's burgeoning talent Ryan Shawcross.

Liverpool Coach Lee Charged For Spurs Outburst

Liverpool assistant manager Sammy Lee has been charged with improper conduct over an incident in the 2-1 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur, the Football Association confirmed on Thursday.

Lee was sent from the dug-out for yelling at fourth official Stuart Attwell when referee Phil Dowd refused to award Liverpool a penalty late in Sunday's Premier League game.

He has until Wednesday to respond to the charge under new fast-track regulations relating to technical area offences, aimed at getting a resolution within a month of the relevant incidents taking place.

The FA also charged two lower-division managers with improper conduct - Peterborough United's Darren Ferguson, the son of Manchester United's Alex, and Paul Lambert who took charge of League One (third division) Norwich City on Tuesday.

Ferguson was charged with using abusive language towards the referee after Tuesday's 3-2 home defeat by West Bromwich Albion in the Championship (second division).

Lambert was charged after being dismissed from the dugout in his last match in charge of League One Colchester United against Yeovil Town on Saturday.

Hungarian Youngsters Krisztian Nemeth & Peter Gulacsi Sign New Deals At Liverpool

Liverpool's pair of young Hungarians, Krisztian Nemeth and Peter Gulacsi have today signed new contracts that will keep them at Anfield until 2012 and 2013 respectively, according to the club's official website.

Nemeth, 20, a striker, has impressed in pre-season for the Reds, bagging a brace in the club's friendly victory over Singapore. He was also a key member of the Reds' treble-winning reserve side last season.

Goalkeeper Gulacsi, 19, spent last season on loan at Hereford United, where he turned in a string of impressive displays.

Both players joined Liverpool from MTK Hungaria in 2007.

Meanwhile, the Reds' 20-year-old reserve defender, Mikel San Jose, has sealed a season-long loan switch to La Liga outfit Athletic Bilbao. The centre-back is a key member of the Spain Under-21 side.

'Crazy' To Write Off Liverpool FC Title Chances, Says Pulis

Tony Pulis said it would be "crazy" to write off Liverpool FC as potential champions as he saw his brave Stoke side beaten 4-0 at Anfield on Wednesday night.

The Stoke manager admitted his team were outclassed at Anfield despite a defiant display. For Liverpool FC, it was the best way to wipe away the memory of their 2-1 defeat at new leaders Tottenham on Saturday.

Pulis, who saw his side achieve a notable 0-0 draw in the corresponding fixture last season, said: "I hold my hands up, we were beaten by a better team and better players."

Fernando Torres put them ahead early on and impressive new-boy Glen Johnson made it two just before the break. Dirk Kuyt and substitute David Ngog completed the scoring in the second half.

He added: "I can't say they will win the title, but they will be right up there fighting for it. Anyone who says anything else is crazy.

"Liverpool created more chances against us here last season, but just did not take them.

"This time they were excellent. They do not only have Torres and Gerrard, who are world class. They have great players right through their team, and they showed that quality against us.

Liverpool FC boss Rafa Benitez was delighted with Johnson on his home debut, saying: "We wanted a player with quality who could score and create goals.

"He attacks very well and had a fine game. Against teams who defend deep against us, he can change games."

Match Report: Liverpool 4 - 0 Stoke City

Liverpool put the misery of their opening day defeat at Tottenham firmly behind them with a convincing victory over Stoke at Anfield.

Last season Tony Pulis' men grabbed a 0-0 draw in this corresponding fixture, one of the results boss Rafael Benitez maintains cost Liverpool the title.

This time around there was no mistake. Steven Gerrard created two of the goals and new boy Glen Johnson had an outstanding game surging down the right at will.

Benitez bought Johnson, he claimed, to provide that extra adventure in difficult home games. And the England defender underlined just what his new manager meant.

He scored a close range goal on half-time on his home debut, to add to Fernando Torres' fourth-minute opener, and aided Gerrard's advance to set up the third for Dirk Kuyt.

Johnson's run and cross in injury-time presented substitute David Ngog with the fourth to cap an outstanding home debut for the new full-back.

Spanish youngster Daniel Ayala made his full Liverpool debut, with Martin Skrtel failing to recover from a damaged jaw sustained in Saturday's defeat at Spurs.

Ayala, 18, came on as a substitute at White Hart Lane for the injured Skrtel for his first senior appearance for Liverpool.

Yossi Benayoun replaced Ryan Babel, while Stoke made two changes from the side that beat Burnley - Glenn Whelan and Richard Cresswell replacing Liam Lawrence and Ricardo Fuller as Pulis reverted to a more defensive system.

Liverpool fans' group, the Spirit of Shankly, organised a mass distribution of red cards ahead of the game to be waved by supporters protesting at the George Gillett-Tom Hicks ownership of the club.

Resentment runs deep at Anfield at the financial mess the club are in and Benitez's limited transfer budget.

But it was his record signing, Torres, who struck quickly to give the Reds the lead.

Lucas Leiva had seen a skidding 20-yarder held by Thomas Sorensen before Liverpool were ahead after just four minutes.

Gerrard burst through on the right to pull the ball back for his Spanish side-kick to drill past a helpless Sorensen.

Dean Whitehead was booked for an ugly 12th-minute foul on Javier Mascherano and Liverpool should have been two goals up when they broke at pace from their own box.

Torres racing away on the right to fire over a cross that full-back Emiliano Insua sidefooted inches wide having made the same high-speed run down the other flank.

But Stoke maintained their determination and organisation, with Liverpool trying to hit them on the break. Much of the hosts' adventure was coming through Johnson.

Kuyt and Torres had shots saved and from a 44th minute corner they struck again. Kuyt's low header was blocked by Sorensen on the line and the ball fell for £17million signing Johnson to hook home from six yards.

Stoke came out after the break determined to get back into the game. A string of dangerous corners resulted in Jose Reina making an outstanding save to his right to keep out a fierce Delap drive.

Johnson then had to clear on the far post as a James Beattie cross-shot fizzed across the area.

But Liverpool increased the tempo of their game and were running at Stoke from all angles.

Gerrard fired in a 20-yard effort which Sorensen blocked, with Johnson now attacking down the right at every opportunity.

The Reds threatened to run away with things as Torres saw a lofted shot saved and Johnson cut into the box again to force Sorensen into a low save.

The third goal arrived after 78 minutes, with Johnson sending Gerrard into the box with a clever pass. The Liverpool captain powered on to drill in a low cross which Kuyt slid past Sorensen from close range.

Liverpool sent on Andriy Voronin and Albert Riera for Gerrard and Kuyt with nine minutes left, then three minutes later Ngog replaced Torres.

And it was Ngog who headed home from under the bar after another fine run and cross from Johnson had deflected into his path in injury-time.

Liverpool's Albert Riera And Andriy Voronin Not For Sale

Rafael Benítez is unlikely to approve any further sales of Liverpool players as his team struggles to cope with a growing injury list.

The Anfield manager has dismissed speculation that the winger Albert Riera and striker Andriy Voronin could be leaving, with Barcelona and Hertha Berlin, respectively, showing interest.

Riera was left out of the squad that lost 2-1 at Tottenham last Sunday, but Benítez maintains that was purely because of his lack of training last week due to a minor injury. Voronin, who came on as substitute at White Hart Lane, was on loan to Hertha last season and there have been suggestions the German club are preparing a £3m bid.

But Benítez's current squad has been weakened by injuries and it has been revealed he has not been able to spend the transfer budget this summer he was expecting.

Benítez said: "Nobody will be sold because we need all our players. We can't afford to lose anyone else. The Premier League is very difficult and we have to keep everyone we have at the moment."

Liverpool FC Star Torres Told To Shut Defenders Up With Goals

Liverpool FC striker Fernando Torres has been told by boss Rafa Benitez to shut defenders up by putting the ball in the back of the net.

The Spanish striker has become increasingly frustrated at his treatment by Premier League defenders and has been involved in a number of verbal spats.

Benitez said: "I have told him that he has to stop this. He knows he has to improve this aspect of his game and that the way forward is to respond to any intimidation by scoring."

He added: "Sometimes it is not easy to deal with everything opponents do but he knows he must deal with it in a different way.

"In his first season, he was really focused and I think he will be again now. He is a star now and defenders are really worried about him but that is part of his game these days."

Liverpool Snap Up Greek International Sotiris Kyrgiakos

Liverpool have today pulled off a surprise transfer coup, and swooped for Greek international Sotiris Kyrgiakos from AEK Athens, as manager Rafa Benitez looks to reinforce his rearguard, weakened by injury in recent days.

Kyrgiakos has spent only a year back in Greece, after a career which has seen him play in Germany for Eintracht Frankfurt and in Scotland with Rangers.

Goal.com Greece reports that the player has cost the Reds €3million, after they Merseysiders made an initial bid of €1.5million. AEK themselves began the negotiations holding out for €5million.

The move has seemingly emerged from out of the blue, surprising Greek observers who had little or no inkling that the swoop was on the cards.

Stoke City travel to Anfield on Wednesday night with doubts surrounding the fitness of Martin Skrtel, who has a jaw injury, though he could possibly play, and Daniel Agger, still sidelined with a back injury.