by The Ace1983 » Tue Apr 11, 2006 5:11 pm
From SSN.
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez hailed the performance of prospective signing Mark Gonzalez against Real Madrid last weekend.
The Spaniard hopes the display of the 21-year-old Chile winger, who turned out for Real Sociedad, will provide a timely reminder to the home office of his ability.
The Reds attempted to seal a transfer for the Albacete player last summer but Gonzalez failed to fulfil Department of Employment work permit criteria because Chile are ranked outside of Fifa's top 70 international sides.
Gonzalez has since moved to the San Sebastian outfit on loan and was in inspired form in a 1-1 draw with Real, claiming his side's equalising goal after a slip from Iker Casillas in the 62nd minute.
"He was the best player on the pitch against Madrid and that's three goals he's scored now since he went to Sociedad," said Benitez.
"I said at the time I was surprised by the decision not to allow him to join us.
"When you see the level he is playing at now, it shows we had a good case and what a good player he actually is."
The Reds will reapply for a permit shortly and Benitez believes Gonzalez has all the attributes to become a major asset in The Premiership.
"We are hopeful he will come in the summer because he can be an important player for us," added Benitez.
"He has pace, quality, can score and he works very hard for the whole 90 minutes for the team - all qualities that will help him settle in quickly here.
"You have to remember he was injured for six months and so he is improving with every game he plays, recovering his fitness and raising his level. He can make an impact in The Premiership."
