Rafa: Defender not a problem

Rafael Benitez has emphatically dismissed question marks over the form of Emiliano Insua, insisting he is satisfied with the full-back's first-team performances.

Fabio Aurelio's injury problems and the sale of Andrea Dossena have meant the 21-year-old has figured in all but two of Liverpool's 31 Barclays Premier League fixtures so far this term.

And while Benitez admits Insua still has room for improvement, he is pleased with the development of the Argentina international.

"He has made some mistakes like the other players, but he has also played some good games. I don't see him as a problem," said the Spaniard.

"It is true with Fabio Aurelio we had more experience and different options - we could give a rest to Aurelio and Insua - but that is not the case now, so we have to keep pushing Emiliano.

"He is at the age to learn. He is young and wants to improve, so we are working very hard with him trying to give him some ideas and advice.

"I think he is doing well - he is not doing bad."

With Insua the only senior left-back currently available for selection, some have questioned whether Jamie Carragher could operate in the position.

Benitez, however, has not entertained such thoughts.

"Insua can do it well," said the boss. "He is left-footed, so when you think of attack, he can overlap when he goes forward, cross and be a different option.

"If you have a right-footed player there, it is always more difficult for them."

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