Rafa wants starlets to shine

Reds boss gives youngsters chance to demonstrate ability

By Robin Hackett   Last updated: 7th July 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Rafa wants starlets to shine

Benitez: Young stars

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Rafa Benitez has told Liverpool's youngsters that it is up to them to prove they can break into the first team this season.

Youngsters Daniel Pacheco, Mikel San Jose, Daniel Ayala, Krisztian Nemeth, Peter Gulacsi and Martin Kelly were all given the chance to train alongside the senior professionals at Melwood on Monday and Benitez insists they will be rewarded if they manage to impress.

"We have already had conversations with the likes of Pacheco, Ayala and San Jose and we have told them that it depends on them," he said on the club's official website.

"They are now training with the first-team squad and this is their chance to show what they can do ahead of the new season."

Benitez could look to add to his youth options as he continues to track Sevilla starlet Luis Alberto.

Sevilla are eager to retain the highly-rated 16-year-old winger, but he has yet to sign professional terms and is said to open to a move to Anfield.

Sevilla sporting director Ramon Rodriquez Monchi said: "We are looking to offer Luis Alberto an attractive deal to ensure he remains at the club."

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