Reina "one of the best in the world" says Benitez

30 November 2009 01:50

Liverpool´s Argentinian midfielder Javier Mascherano celebrates after scoring the opening goal. Liverpool have bounced back from their premature Champions League exit to beat neighbours Everton 2-0, a result which relieved some of the pressure that has been building on manager Rafa Benitez.

LIVERPOOL, England (AFP) - Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez labelled Jose Reina "one of the best keepers in the world" after the Spain international inspired his side to victory in the Merseyside derby.

With Liverpool leading 1-0, Reina produced a stunning stop to claw away Tim Cahill's header before denying Marouane Fellaini with the follow up.

It was a key moment in the game, Kuyt going on to double his side's lead soon afterwards, as Liverpool bounced back from their premature exit from the Champions League.

"We have seen that he is a top class keeper," said Benitez, after his side climbed into fifth spot in the table.

"When we signed him we knew that we were getting a very good keeper. For me he is one of the best in the world."

Dirk Kuyt also praised Reina as Liverpool recorded their first clean sheet victory away from home in the Premier League since last season.

"He is one of the best in the world," said the Holland international. "He really helped us out today."

When Liverpool beat Manchester United last month, Liverpool followed it up with a double defeat in London. After crashing out of the Carling Cup at Arsenal, Benitez's side then lost at Fulham.

Benitez is now urging his players to learn from that and use their latest victory as a springboard to kick on.

"It's always important win games in a row," added Benitez.

"We have some days to go before we go to Blackburn so we will prepare like we always do.

"This was a really important win for us because this was always going to be a difficult game.

"We are higher in the table now, everyone is happier and we'll see if we can go on from here."

Everton manager David Moyes thought his side deserved more from the game.

Diniyar Bilyaletdinov spurned a glorious chance to make it 1-1 in the first half before Reina's heroics in the second half.

Everton are just three points above the relegation zone after their third straight Premier League defeat.

"My players worked extremely hard and deserved more than they got," said Moyes, whose side visit Greece to face AEK Athens in the Europa League on Wednesday.

"Liverpool had one chance in the first half and in the main we kept them quiet."