Is Rafa the Spanish Shankly?

"I had the pleasure of 90 minutes in the company of Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez earlier this week and as a result the Reds chief has gone up even more in my estimation. The club is in superb hands," he said.

"He is an intelligent, articulate, down-to-earth football man. His tactical approach this season has impressed me greatly. And he has a clear, focussed plan for how the club will develop in years to come.

"I have faith that he will achieve his goal of taking Liverpool back to the pinnacle of the English and European game. His knowledge and passion for the game means that I am not over-stating it when I suggest he could prove to be the Spanish Shankly."