Daniel Pacheco: Can He Do A "Yossi Benayoun"?

Daniel Pacheco arrived in Liverpool in the summer of 2007, aging only 16 at that time.

The tiny forward is gifted with a pair of magical feet and electric pace. He was also an integral part of the Liverpool Reserves that won the league in 2007-08.

However, the highly rated Spaniard is yet to make his senior bow. Apart from the local boys, Daniel Ayala, Damien Plessis, and Nabil El Zhar are the only youngsters that broke into the first team from the Reserves, David N'gog made his debut not long after he was signed from PSG—although he did play in the Reserves sometime last season as well.

Many are hoping that Daniel Pacheco will get his first team debut soon. And judging by the lad's form in the past two pre-seasons and in the Reserves, he shouldn't have to wait too long is it?

So, can he do a "Yossi Benayoun" in the first team? Why is Benayoun's name being brought up in the first place?

1) Size

Both Yossi Benayoun and Daniel Pacheco are considered to fall into the small category in football. Pacheco is 2-inch shorter than his Israeli team mate but is slightly heavier.

2) Position & Versatility

Yossi Benayoun was mainly used as a striker or a second striker during the early days of his career. He began dropping to the central attacking role during his time in La Liga with Racing Santander.

When he came to the Premiership, his versatility came to his advantage as he played on both flanks as well as the central attacking role in West Ham.

So far, Rafa Benitez has played Yossi Benayoun on the right flank, left flank, and sometimes behind a lone striker. Benayoun has declared that he prefers playing on the left but I believe everyone would agree with me if I say Yossi Benayoun is good on any role he is playing currently.

Same to Daniel Pacheco. He was generally used as a striker during his time in Barcelona. He was used as a forward by Gary Ablett too when he first came to Liverpool. Right now, he is being used as a centre attacking midfielder.

With the attributes he possesses, Pacheco has developed himself into a playmaker. And I wouldn't be surprised to see the Spaniard being tested on the flanks as well. Isn't that what tiny fast forwards are used as nowadays?

3) Wonderful Footwork

Both Yossi Benayoun and Daniel Pacheco have quick feet. They might not be the fastest runners in the Premiership but their foot-works are amazing really.

Why Pacheco Will Make The First Team Soon?

Simple, because he is good and fans like him. Getting some play time in Cup games shouldn't be a problem at all, although he will need some time before getting his Premiership debut.

Why Pacheco Will Not Make The First Team Soon?

Well, the lad doesn't have a first team squad number yet. Besides, the competition in the role he suits in is too great. Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt, Yossi Benayoun, Albert Riera, Ryan Babel, and even Nabil El Zhar are all probably ahead of Pacheco in the pecking order.

Personally, I would like to see Pacheco coming on as late substitutes in league matches now. His pace would enable him to beat tired defenders and help Liverpool turn matches around or extend their leads, making a explosive impact—just like Yossi did in the last couple of seasons.

So what do you think? When will Pacheco get his first team debut? And will he succeed in the first team?