Still unbeaten in the Premier League; still in with a chance of orchestrating their own survival in the Champions League; Rafa Benitez must be doing something right at Liverpool.

Perhaps it's time to look at the direction in  which Benitez intends to take Liverpool, and the area of interest, not so much concern, is whether he needs an out-and-out winger adding to the squad.

Jermaine Pennant's long-term absence doesn't seem to affecting their form one bit and Yossi Benayoun's diagonal runs and natural ability seem to complement Pennant's pace. With injury-prone Harry Kewell back on the left, is it time for Liverpool to get a natural winger?

'If Liverpool do decide to buy a natural winger in January, I think they could be even better than they are now'


Ryan Babel even voiced concerns over his position preference, originally being a striker at Ajax. Benayoun's case may be a bit different. At Racing Santander, he played in central midfield, at West Ham he alternated between the right wing and the center. But Rafa's positioning of those players is obviously working; its December, and he is undefeated. But, for how much longer?

Personally, I'd like to see Babel playing up top. I think he and Fernando Torres would make a deadly partnership for many years to come. If Kewell can stay injury-free and keep up his recent form, there's no denying him a spot in the starting XI. And with Steve Finnan and Jon Arne Riise providing ample support out wide there should be power and balance.

If Liverpool do decide to buy a natural winger in January, I think they could be even better than they are now. Now doubt, many other clubs, including league leaders Arsenal, lack natural wingers, but wholly believe they can be better with a winger.

The name of Mexican international Andres Guardado was being touted as a possible target for the Premier League and several big name clubs have been linked to his - but he has now joined Deportivo. Several top clubs were vying for his services before Deportivo snapped him up.

Ricardo Quaresma at FC Porto was another player on the radar of several clubs, but his display against Liverpool last week can hardly have done his chances of a move to the Premier League much good.

I'm not too sure about Alessandro Mancini, either. A solid offer was made in the summer, but AS Roma rejected it. It will be interesting to see where (and if) Rafa decides to take the plunge.