Rafa's 11 Best Current Reds Signings

Since Rafa took charge in summer 2004, he added many players to the squad every transfer market. And clearly, Liverpool have been improving every season, from settling with third, fourth slot over the last few seasons to finally being in the race for the Premiership title.

Liverpool ended the year 2008 at the top of the league, three points ahead of second place Chelsea, with 18 games to go.

Over the last few years, many people criticised Rafa in bringing too many so-called 'average players' to mount a serious title challenge. And Rafa's judgements were often questioned, the most recent ones including his summer signings Andrea Dossena and Robbie Keane.

We will take a look at the current Liverpool squad. The only players from Houllier's reign are captain Steven Gerrard, vice-captain Jamie Carragher, and veteran Sami Hyypia.

This is the list of eleven best current Liverpool players signed by Rafa Benitez.

1. FERNANDO TORRES — I guess nothing much needs to be said about this Spanish striker. Many would agree that the record signing is the best signing since Rafa took charge. 24 goals in 33 Premiership games made him the highest scoring foreigner in debut season, edging Ruud Van Nistelrooy by a goal. The former Atletico Madrid skipper scored 33 goals in 46 appearances in all competitions in his first season.
2. XABI ALONSO — Alonso is among Rafa's first signings. Hailed as the pass master, he was bought for only £10.5 million from Real Sociedad. He has represented Liverpool 189 times, scoring 17 in the process with possibly more to come. His influence on the pitch is unquestionable.
3. JAVIER MASCHERANO — Defensive midfielder Mascherano was signed in January 2007 on a one and a half season loan deal before securing a permanent deal about one year later. He quickly established himself as a regular starter and he has been one of the fans' favourites. He chases opposition down and tackles well. The trio of Gerrard, Alonso, and Mascherano is perhaps one of the best centre midfield partnership, if not the best.
4. PEPE REINA — The former Barcelona and Villarreal goalie came in summer 2005, and since then he has never failed to win the Golden Glove award for the most clean sheets for three consecutive seasons. Besides that, he is labeled as one of the best penalty stoppers on the planet. His heroics helped Liverpool to win the FA Cup in 2006 and beat Chelsea in Champions League semi-final 2007, both via shoot-out.
5. DIRK KUYT — One of the most underrated strikers in the world, the Dutchman came fifth on the list. Kuyt came at a bargain for only £10 million from Feyenoord in summer 2006. He is selfless and flexible, and no doubt one of the most hardworking players in the world. The former Feyenoord skipper was often criticised for not scoring much but he has not failed to score more than ten goals every seasons in Liverpool. In fact, he was Liverpool's top league goal-scorer in 2006/07 season, and scoring more European goals than Gerrard and Torres in the following season.
6. DANIEL AGGER — Ranked at a respectable six, he was bought for a fee of £5 million from Brondby in January 2006. Injury limited him to only four games in the season, but his impressive form in the following season pushed Hyypia to the bench. His first goal against West Ham was voted Liverpoolfc.tv's goal of the season. He even scored a brilliant curler against Chelsea in Champions League semi-final 2007 to tie the aggregate score where Liverpool eventually won on penalties.
7. MARTIN SKRTEL — Arrived at Anfield in January 2008, he was Liverpool's record signing for a defender. He has played only 30 games so far, but his presence was a key to Liverpool reaching the semi-final in the Champions League that season. Agger's injury made way for him to cement his spot in the starting line-up last season, and his injury against Manchester City in October made way for Agger's return. When the Slovakian returns to fitness, it will definitely be a major boost for Liverpool with Carragher, Hyypia, and Agger all doing well.
8. YOSSI BENAYOUN — The Israeli captain is one of the players most often criticised. But the playmaker scored one more than Babel in his debut season, playing one game less. Comparing to how much Liverpool paid for his service, he edged Babel just by a little. Not to mention his magnificent assists on several occasions.
9. RYAN BABEL — The Dutchman arrived at a deal worth around £13 million from Ajax in summer 2007. The flexible Dutch international scored a respectable ten goals in his debut season. He scored the winner against Manchester United (the match was voted Liverpoolfc.tv's best game of the year 2008). The skillful dribbler scored several great goals including an audacious flick against Besiktas and an individual effort against Derby.
10. ALBERT RIERA — Spanish left sider was bought in summer 2008 from Espanyol. He is a regular starter despite arriving only a few months back. His presence provides more width to Liverpool and he has scored three goals in 21 games so far. More to come for Riera, but 10th is just fair for him right now.
11. ALVARO ARBELOA — The versatile defender was signed from Deportivo La Coruna in January 2007. He has played in every position along the back four during his time in Liverpool. He is the current first choice right back in Liverpool.