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Benitez backs Benayoun

12 Jul 2007 - 07:28:49

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Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez believes that midfielder Yossi Benayoun will be a big hit once he completes his switch to Anfield from West Ham United.

The Israel schemer is poised to join the Reds after the two clubs agreed a deal, with Benitez believing that Benayoun will be a more than capable replacement for Luis Garcia, who has signed for Atletico Madrid.

"Maybe Luis is a player who scores more goals and Benayoun tends to make more assists," Benitez told the Daily Echo.

"Like Luis, he is a very technical, clever player with a lot of game intelligence. He can also play in many positions, giving us a different option for the team.

"He was offered a big new contract at West Ham and received offers from a lot of other clubs offering him more money.

"But Yossi's message was always the same. He said he was desperate to only join Liverpool because this was his dream."

The 27-year-old will move to Anfield for a fee reportedly in the region of £4million, having made 72 appearances for the Hammers since moving to Upton Park from Racing Santander two years ago.