‘Beach boy’ on the ball as Benitez’s faith is repaid

LUIS GARCIA turned his back on the Mediterranean to follow his mentor to the banks of the Mersey, and Liverpool are reaping the benefit.

Rafael Benitez has fused Spanish tactical acumen to the team’s naturally English instincts, and his restructured side sit top of Group A after their 2-0 Champions League opener against last season’s runners-up, Monaco.

Alongside countryman Xabi Alonso, Garcia is already captivating Anfield with his skills, pace and trickery.

The 26-year-old, who Benitez branded “the beach boy”, is already repaying the belief shown in him.

“The manager has always shown a lot of faith in me and the very fact that I gave up my home and family in Barcelona to come to Liverpool shows how much faith I have got in Rafael Benitez,” said Garcia.

“He has given me the opportunity to play in front of such great support as there is here at Anfield and I am grateful for the opportunity.”

Garcia and Alonso were a joy to watch as Liverpool returned to the Champions League in style.

The goals came from Djibril Cisse and Milan Baros, but it was the manner of the victory which thrilled the Kop and no doubt impressed the watching Gerard Houllier.

Barcelona did not want to lose Garcia, who was under Benitez’s wing at Tenerife.

But Garcia’s faith in the former Valencia boss was absolute, and the prospect of regular first-team football was an added enticement.

“I left a great club, yes, but I have come to another great club in terms of Europe, and hopefully we can build on what we have done here against Monaco and continue to reinforce that greatness,” said Garcia.

Garcia has been used by Benitez to devastating effect in a free role behind a single striker, and Monaco never came close to containing his runs and speed of thought.

If the adventure and movement came from Garcia, the precision came from the elegant Alonso, who has taken a little longer to convince the Kop of his talents.

Alongside the similarly impressive Steven Gerrard in central midfield, the raking passes and incisive distribution of the only current Spanish international among Benitez’s new boys, shone like a beacon.

He does not possess Gerrard’s running power or Garcia’s speed, but Alonso’s brain is sparkling with invention and decisive distribution.

It may have been what Benitez continually calls another “small step”, but Alonso is confident of the future even after just one game in the Champions League.

He said: “I firmly believe Liverpool have the team, the tactics and the belief to do something very important in the Champions League.

“There is no reason why we can’t be the surprise team in this year’s competition.

“Rafa Benitez has proved in Spain he is one of the best coaches around and now he has a great chance to do something even more special by bringing trophies to Anfield, either English prizes or European ones.

“He did it with Valencia and I am confident he will do it with Liverpool as soon as he can. His tactics and beliefs are ideally suited to winning European games.”

Liverpool’s confidence - almost shattered under the previous regime - is returning.