The 5 Best Performances from Liverpool Players Under Rafa Bentiez

With all this notion that Rafa was a poor management figure, I have devised a list of exceptional performances from Liverpool players under his tenure.

I feel the time is right to publish such a list as Rafa’s name continues to be dragged through the dirt by some sections of the media and how his method of rotation, zonal marking, transfer signings, and defensive tactics are still be talked about negatively now.

Apparently there is a team spirit and unity shown that was never there before under Rafa. I beg to differ and hope you enjoy the top 5 performances from players under Rafa. 

5. Xabi Alonso

Fixture: Liverpool 3-0 Norwich City 

Date: Sept. 25, 2004 

Venue: Anfield 

Xabi Alonso was only on the field about an hour's worth of play, but no Liverpool fan’s butt was on the seat once he was substituted off.

An absolute master class in passing was on display by the Spaniard play maker.

It helped paved the way for Xabi to be considered a Kop favourite amongst Liverpool fans.

4. Fernando Torres

Fixture: Liverpool 4-0 West Ham 

Date: March 5, 2008 

Venue: Anfield 

Undoubtedly the finest signing Rafa ever made, El Nino has been a revelation since he joined the Reds.

In March 2008, El Nino broke one of many records by becoming the first Liverpool striker in more than 60 years to score successive hat tricks on home soil. 

Maybe not the finest tactical performance, but against West Ham, El Nino showed why he is considered one of the best goal scorers in the world.

3. Igor Biscan

Fixture: Deportivo La Coruña 0-1 Liverpool 

Date: Nov. 3, 2004

Venue: Riazor

For a player ridiculed beyond belief, somehow the “cold” and “emotionless” Rafa Bentiez managed to unearth a performance of brilliance from Igor Biscan.

Within 13 minutes, Igor Biscan broke from midfield with the grace of Zidane and slotted Rise in whose cross was turned in by Andrade.

Liverpool went on to win 1-0 with Biscan a notable performer. Rafa had the following to say about Biscan’s performance:

"Igor played very well alongside Hamann, and it is encouraging to see players who have not been playing so much doing so well when they get in the team," said Benitez.

"We had problems before the game because Xabi could only have played for 45 minutes, no more. But Igor played so well, we didn't need to use him."

2. Xabi Alonso

Fixture: Juventus 0-0 Liverpool

Date: April 13, 2005

Venue:  Stadio Olimpico di Torino

Yes, I know, Xabi Alonso again! But coming off a lengthy layoff and replacing the injured Steven Gerrard, Alonso showed incredible intelligence by limiting his movement only when needed and not wasting precious energy.

Funnily enough, Rafa had told Gerrard that he did too much mindless running that he should pick his moment more smartly. Xabi Alonso showed exactly what Rafa had meant.

I am aware its wrong picking one individual performance from such a fantastic team effort but Xabi was definitely one player that deserved recognition from that game.

The organizational skills and team spirit is an indication that Rafa had the respect of his squad.

1. Didi Hamann

Fixture: AC Milan 3-3 Liverpool

Date: May 25, 2005

Venue:  Istanbul

It was bound to be that a player from that famous night in Istanbul. Kaka had showed tremendous vision and creativity throughout the first half by ripping Alonso and Gerrard to shreds.

With Steve Finnan injured, Rafa made the substitution, bringing Didi Hamann on. It was a great tactical substitution, which limited Kaka’s influence considerably.

There is no doubting Rafa’s ability to inspire confidence in a player. Performances like Biscan, Smicer and Troare in his first season is indicative of Bentiez’s approach working.

It may not be around your shoulder “you will be okay, son.” approach but Bentiez always showed calm leadership qualities when it mattered. A quick glance at the watch after we scored, planning his next move.

Yes he had his faults, but the failings at the boardroom level has seen Rafa’s tenure tarnished. 

I for one appreciate everything the man did for us and I hope this article reminded you of some good times under him.