'Dani talent can be key'

Rafael Benitez is confident Daniel Pacheco has the talent to become an "important player" for Liverpool after the starlet's encouraging cameo against Fulham on Sunday.

The Spaniard was introduced as a late substitute against the Cottagers as the Reds looked to break the visitors' stubborn resistance.

Though Liverpool were ultimately forced to settle for a point in a goalless draw, Benitez believes Pacheco can be a useful weapon in helping unlock opposition defences.

The boss told Liverpoolfc.tv: "He was trying. It was difficult without space but he was doing well. He is the kind of player who can make a difference in that situation.

"He is a player with talent and if he can keep working hard, he will use it more effectively.

"Sometimes players with talent are a little bit inconsistent, so if he works hard, like he is doing now, he can be very, very important."

Pacheco's appearance against Fulham was his fourth senior run out of the campaign.

Benitez feels training alongside the likes of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres at Melwood on a daily basis has been influential in the 19-year-old's development as he edges closer to regular first-team action.

"He is closer every day. He is training with the first-team, learning and gaining more experience," said the manager. "But still there is plenty of time for him and a lot of things he can improve.

"Training with the first-team is always massive for the young players. It is extra motivation and they can learn a lot of things that maybe they would not see in other young players."

The Malaga-born teenager's introduction to the action drew plenty of applause from those inside Anfield on Sunday, and Benitez added: "Everybody can see him playing really well with the Reserves, scoring fantastic goals and getting a lot of assists.

"He is a player who can make a difference in the final third, which is what the fans like."

Meanwhile, Benitez is confident Liverpool fans are yet to see the best of Alberto Aquilani and insisted he can play an important role in the remainder of 2009-10.

Injuries have restricted the Italy midfielder to just 22 appearances so far in his maiden season on Merseyside, but Aquilani turned in an impressive performance against Fulham and the boss reckons there is more to come.

"He has quality and that is important because if he has more confidence, he can use his quality and help in the rest of the season," said Benitez.

"Clearly he has had too many problems this year and I am sure that next season, if he can stay fit, he will be a very good player."