You are in > manchester.com  > News > Benitez: we're better with Gerrard on right

General Sports News

Benitez: we're better with Gerrard on right

02/11/2005

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has praised the impact of Steven Gerrard since his move to the right side of midfield and believes the European champions are a better side because of it.

The Liverpool captain was shifted to the right, a problem position for Benitez this season, for the 2-0 win over West Ham at the weekend and Gerrard was there again in last night's win over Anderlecht.

Now the two wins have helped lift some of the gloom around Anfield after their Carling Cup exit to Crystal Palace and Benitez is delighted by Gerrard's contribution.

"With Steve on the right side he has a lot of freedom and we have more options there," Benitez said.

"Steve is happy there, he understands the tactics and he is always thinking about the benefits to the team and the importance to us of balance."

Gerrard has found himself out of his familiar central role after Benitez switched Liverpool from a 4-5-1 formation to a 4-4-2 after the Carling Cup exit at Selhurst Park.

Xabi Alonso and Mohamed Sissoko now occupy the central role, while the England international interchanges with Luis Garcia on the left.

"We play with Sissoko and Alonso together in the middle and it means we are able to regain a lot of possession and attack well," Benitez added.

"It is also important to us to have all these players with quality together and with Steve and Luis changing their positions many times, swapping and moving inside, it makes it more difficult to control them and us a more attacking team."

© Adfero Ltd