Liverpool FC

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Rafa hails best keeper Reina

02 Jan 2009 - 10:18:25

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Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez believes Jose Reina has proved himself to be the best goalkeeper in the Premier League.

Reina is rapidly closing in on the milestone of 100 clean sheets for the Reds after arriving at Anfield from Villarreal in 2005.

The former Barcelona youngster is not yet regarded as number one choice at international level, but Benitez believes Reina is both the best keeper in the Premier League and also Spain.

"In the first year we signed him we had 82 points, with a lot of clean sheets, and that made a difference and gave the defenders massive confidence," he told the club's official website.

"He's getting better each season. He has a very, very good mentality and is very positive.

"(Reds number two) Diego Cavalieri is a good keeper, but Reina has a lot of confidence because he's been here a long time.

"His style of football is very good for any league, but especially the Premier League because you need to be physical.

"The ball is in the air a lot. He's good in his six-yard box but also outside it.

"I'd say he is the best goalkeeper in the Premier League and also in Spain.

"He's very, very important for us, not just because he's a good goalkeeper but also because of his mentality."