Rafa: Goal showed Ngog's quality

Rafa Benitez today praised David Ngog for his role in Liverpool's victory over Manchester United on Sunday - and backed the striker to continue his impressive development.

The 20-year-old displayed composure that defied his tender years with a coolly taken stoppage-time strike to seal the 2-0 win against Alex Ferguson's side and take his goal tally for the season to three.
 
Benitez admits he is pleased with the progress of Ngog and believes the Reds' No.24 has benefitted from working alongside his more experienced teammates in training.
 
"I think he has scored five goals already this season - two with the reserves and three for the first-team - so he is improving and learning," the boss told Liverpoolfc.tv.
 
"He is a young player but he showed his quality and composure at the end against United, which was very good.
 
"Physically he has to be stronger because the Premier League is very physical, but his movement and quality is there so it is just a question of time. Playing alongside great defenders in every training session will help him improve this particular area of his game.
 
"Fernando is also strong and has good movement, so Ngog is learning from him and the other players because we have good players here."
 
Meanwhile, the Liverpool manager paid tribute to goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri as the Brazilian prepares to make his second first-team appearance of the season in tonight's Carling Cup tie with Arsenal at the Emirates.
 
Benitez added: "Diego is a good 'keeper, a very good professional and a nice person, so he is the kind of player you always want to give something to because he is doing so well in every training session. He is an example to the other players."