Source: Liverpool_Echo
Rafael Benitez praises Pepe Reina's role in turning around Liverpool FC's season
Pepe Reina 300[LNB]RAFA BENITEZ today hailed the role Pepe Reina has played in helping turn Liverpool's season - and backed his in-form goalkeeper to raise his game another level.[LNB]Though Reina's tally of clean sheets is down in comparisons to previous campaigns, few would dispute he has been the Reds' best player by some distance this year.[LNB]The Spaniard will attempt to keep his fourth shutout in five matches when Liverpool aim to jump back into a Champions League spot at Wolverhampton Wanderers tonight.[LNB]But it is not just his consistency between the posts which has impressed Benitez in recent weeks, it has been the way he has helped rally the dressing room during a difficult period.[LNB]That's why Benitez hopes the contract talks which started back in October will soon reach a successful conclusion, as Reina has become a hugely influential figure at the club.[LNB]'We have had a conversation with Pepe's agent (over a contract) and he knows our idea,' said Benitez, who will have fit again skipper Steven Gerrard in his squad tonight.[LNB]'The conversation will continue and I'm sure it will be easy to finalise and have an agreement. His mentality is very good and it is not just that he is a good keeper.[LNB]'In a top side you have to be a top keeper and have great character. He is always pushing his team-mates and he is a leader on the pitch too.[LNB]'Pepe has had some (injury) problems but he has been playing and doing really well. At Stoke we only played him at the last minute but he was nearly man of the match.[LNB]'It's important to have Pepe and it's important to have Stevie back too. He has desire and he can see his team-mates working hard and you will see him do the same on the pitch.'
