(just as you thought it was over, here's some more obvious)
Defender may prove a small gamble
Jul 26 2005
By Mark Lawrenson, Daily Post
HAVING just bought a six feet seven inch centre forward, it seems a little bit strange that Rafael Benitez is now pursuing a five feet eight inch centre-half.
Gabriel Milito may be a lot of things - including, I have heard, a good man-marker and tackler - but he is not tall.
In fact he could be the first centre-back to play for Liverpool with platform boots and whose pbuttport photo is full length.
While that should not rule him out of Benitez's thinking, he will have to be some player to make up for that lack of inches.
However, Benitez has been over here for a year now so knows what he wants and what he will need from his players.
Looking at his teams at Valencia as well, they were always very solid throughout and strong defensively.
He must have seen something in Milito that will make a difference for Liverpool, even when the crosses are being thrown in by the likes of Bolton.
Could it be that is where Jose Reina comes in?
For any goalkeeper in the Premiership, the ability to come for crosses and dominate your box is key.
I find it hard to believe Benitez will take a risk in such an important area of the team. For now I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt that he is making the right signings.
Meanwhile, can I just say how sorry I am for Luis Figo that his dream move to Liverpool seems to be still in the balance.
I have lost count of the number of inter-views from him proclaiming his love for the Reds throughout his career and I bet he has also never stopped talking to Michael Owen about the club.
Michael must be sick of the constant questions!
Mark Lawrenson was talking to NEIL MACDONALD
