Liverpool FC manager Rafa Benitez hails skipper Steven Gerrard return to scoring form as key to helping them reach top four

Dec 28 2009 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

RAFAEL BENITEZ is confident Steven Gerrard can help propel Liverpool back into the top four after the skipper ended his goal-scoring drought.

Gerrard netted his first goal from open play in 13 games with a thunderous header to send Benitez’s side on their way to a much-needed 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Boxing Day.

It was only the skipper’s fifth goal of the campaign and came after Benitez had revealed to holding a series of pep talks in an attempt to help Gerrard rediscover his top form.

And the Liverpool manager reckons the captain can now gain confidence from his strike to embark on a scoring streak.

“Hopefully it will prove important for us,” said Benitez. “To see Gerrard scoring goals and playing well means his confidence will be very high.

“A goal is a good boost for him and for us. He is someone who has scored 20, 22 or 23 goals a season so he is used to scoring goals.”

The goal was Gerrard’s 75th Premier League strike of the decade to lift him above Michael Owen as the club’s leading league goalscorer since the dawn of the millennium.

While the skipper was back in form, Fernando Torres again appeared way below his best as he continues to be hampered by his ongoing battle with a groin concern.

And Benitez admitted: “Fernando still needs more match fitness. When he is playing games it will get easier for him. He is trying hard but he will need time.”

With Javier Mascherano absent through injury and suspension, Alberto Aquilani made his long-awaited first Premier League start following his arrival from Roma in the summer.

Aquilani started brightly but faded in the second half before his substitution five minutes from time for league debutant Dani Pacheco.

But Benitez has intimated the Italian could start tomorrow’s crucial visit to Aston Villa.

“Alberto was trying to find the right pass and be involved,” he said. “He still needs to improve his match fitness and find the tempo in the Premier League.

“Aquilani was really tired today but Aurelio was complaining about his calf at half-time and Benayoun was feeling something so you can’t change everyone.

“Mascherano is not available for three or four games so maybe Aquilani will have more time.”