The 24-year-old midfield general hit a brilliant brace to give the Reds a comfortable 2-0 victory against AK Graz in the first leg of the Champions League qualifying tie, and Benitez was more than happy with his and the team's performance.
Benitez said: Steven scored two fine goals and his first opened the game up for us. He produced a very impressive performance. I am very happy to start my career as Liverpool manager like that. We play to win every game and this was such an important game for us.
"I can only talk about the match and I am pleased with how we played. It was a difficult game and the opening goal was so crucial. It settled things for us and it was very important. I am happy, I am always happy when my sides win. It was our first match and they had already played four league games and are known as a strong, pressing side. But we maintained good concentration which makes me very, very happy."
