Alvaro Arbeloa believes Liverpool's defenders are facing their toughest ever battle for places under Rafa Benitez.

The Spaniard has figured at right-back in all four fixtures so far this season, during which time the Reds have conceded just one goal.

So does he feel he has done enough to make the right-back role his own?

"No way. You can never say that you are a first choice at this football club," he told the official LFC Magazine this week.

"If you start to think like that then you can just about guarantee that you are about to lose your place.

"It’s a big fight to get into the team – it’s a bigger fight to stay there. I need to play to the best of my ability in every minute of every game I start to stand a chance.

"I don’t know too much about Philipp Degen but what I have seen of him since he came to Liverpool you can see why the manager signed him. He is good going forward. You also have Steve Finnan still at the club and any time he plays he plays well. He is very consistent and no-one ever seems to get the better of him.

"Degen has been injured but he has come here to compete and he will want to play. When he is fit then I know that I will have a bigger battle on my hands than ever before."

Having filled holes in the centre once or twice during his Reds career, he’s relieved he doesn’t have to slug it out with Jamie Carragher, Sami Hyypia, Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger.

"I’m really glad I’m not a central defender this season – that’s for sure."

Read the full interview in this weeks' official LFC Magazine plus Jamie Carragher talks about the four-way battle at centre-back, and don't miss The Pachecho story – a tale of family sacrifice, talent and determination.

To get a copy or to subscribe call 0845 143 0001 or visit www.liverpoolfc.tv/match/magazine