Benitez puts faith in youth

Rafa Benitez admits his transfer policy at Liverpool concerns signing players for the long-term future.

Rather than settle for a quick-fix solution at Anfield, Benitez prefers to bring in players with a youthful vigour.

Benitez cites Daniel Agger and Mark Gonzalez as the type of footballer he is targeting, as he looks to turn Liverpool into serious title contenders.

"When we signed Agger, we were looking for a young player with experience and quality who we knew would be good for the future," Benitez told the Liverpool Echo.

"Both Agger and Mark Gonzalez are like this. Not only can they show their ability now, they are prospects.

"These are the types of player we are always looking for to improve the squad."

Agger moved to the Premiership from Brondby almost 12 months ago and Benitez expanded on the Denmark international's qualities.

He added: "We knew he was strong in defence.

"But he can pass the ball well and move it around the pitch at a high tempo. You saw he did this very well against Fulham."