Benitez happy with Youth team.

By Mighty Reds
April 2 2006

Rafa Benitez has expressed his pleasure at seeing the young Reds getting to the FA Youth Cup Final. They meet Manchester City in the first of a two legged tie at Anfield on Thursday 13th April.

The Anfield chief though is quick to emphasise that success is measured by how many go on to play for the senior team.

He said:

"I am pleased to see the young lads in the final. It's good news for the club that a mix of players from Melwood and the Academy are playing well together. This shows we are going in the right direction," says Benitez.

"At the same time, it's important to realise it's not the most important thing to win a trophy. What matters is to see the youngsters continue to progress until eventually they're good enough for the first team.

"If it's possible to win the Youth Cup, we will all be very happy. But it will be even better to see those players in the first team."

Benitez also explained the mix of foreign and English players this season.

"We have signed three English players and two Spaniards for the under-18 team. If we could sign more English players who are good enough for us, that's fantastic. If you can't, you have no choice but to look towards foreign players.

"You can't decide if a player is right or not just by looking at his passport. You need to decide if he's good enough to play for Liverpool.

"At the same time you must recognise it can be difficult signing a foreign player when he's just 16 because you're changing his life. It's easy to pick out someone like Cesc Fabregas as a good example because he's playing really well now at a big club.

"But for every one like him, you must ask yourself how many others have been unable to progress at the same level? Some players have good potential at 16, but when they change their country or situation for their family, they are not able to settle.

"It's not as easy as it sounds. It depends on the individual. I have experience in the youth team of Real Madrid and I know the risks. You always have to take care when signing young players."



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