Sander Westerveld on Rafael Benitez

By Kate7
March 29 2005

Sander Westerveld, ex Reds goalkeeper, was at Anfield on Sunday to take part in the Tsunami benefit match between a Livepool legends team and a celebrity eleven

“Benitez is a big name in Spain, everyone respects him. He did some great things with Valencia and I have all the confidence he will bring success to Liverpool as well”.

“ I saw the game against Everton and Liverpool were absolutely brilliant. They still have a chance to qualify for Champions League. With the injuries they have had to qualify for CL will represent a good first season for Benitez”.

Westerveld, who was a team mate of Xabi Alonso at Real Sociedad, tips the midfielder to be a great success at Liverpool said “I spoke to Xabi just the other day and he is really enjoying his time here. He surprised me a little because I thought he’d need time to adjust to the English style, but straight from the start he had a big impact”.