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LIVERPOOL FC: RAFA ON DEGEN, PRE-SEASON AND TORRES

/noticias.info/ Rafa Benitez has once again praised his scouting department for unearthing Bosman bargain Philipp Degen, a player the boss believes can aid a charge on the Premier League title in 2008-09.

Speaking exclusively to Liverpoolfc.tv as the new boy met his teammates for the first time today, Benitez explained what the defender could offer and shed light on how pre-season was going so far.

He also reflected on the signing of Fernando Torres – a deal completed a year ago today.

philipp degen signing

First of all, how pleased are you to welcome Philipp Degen to Liverpool?

I'm really pleased because we were working to try and find this kind of player in the full-back position with the ability to push forward, so I think he is a good signing. It was another good acquisition through the scouting department because it is another Bosman player.

What qualities do you think he will bring to the side?

He's very strong. He likes to go forward; he's very offensive and will give us options on the right-hand side. People talk about wingers but he will give us width from the full-back area and that is important too.

Was the right side an area you were looking to improve?

Yes, we were looking to improve some areas. On the right side we wanted to be more offensive and also on the left, and that is the reason we brought in Degen.

He'll face stiff competition from the likes of Steve Finnan and Alvaro Arbeloa, is that something you are looking for in every position?

Yes, clearly. It is important for me to have one, two or even three players who can play in one position or different positions and compete for their place.

When did you first become aware of him?

The season before last we were watching him and we knew he would be a good addition. But we made our move this year because it was a better situation in terms of the contracts, so it was straightforward.

You've been back in training a week or so now, how satisfied are you with things so far?

I'm really pleased. The commitment of the players is fantastic. Sometimes you need to stop them because they play with a very high tempo. I'm really pleased and it's normal at the start of the season for everyone to be eager to play. We also have players coming back next week, but with the ones we have here this week we are really pleased.

Today marks a year since Fernando Torres signed for the club. How would you reflect on his first year at Liverpool?

I think everyone knows he has been fantastic for us. We have our good memories about the day he arrived and how well he has done. I am really, really happy with him and hopefully he will be even better next season - if that is possible.

And finally, your thoughts on the first pre-season game at Tranmere next week?

The first game is always important. It will be close to our people and interesting for Merseyside, so we will try to do well. notas_de_prensa_archivo