The 27-year-old has faced stiff competition for the left-back role from Fabio Aurelio and Emiliano Insua this season, but Dossena feels opposition for places is commonplace at a club of Liverpool’s stature.

He said: “In every big team in Europe competition is normal, even at the likes of AC Milan and Barcelona. But I am friends with all my team-mates and there is a good atmosphere in the dressing room.

“Fabio is a typical Brazilian player with ‘good feet’ and ability, while Emiliano is young and I have a lot of time for him. I believe he will develop into a great player.”

Benitez maintains he needs to buy another striker, and will off-load players already out on loan before thinking of selling any of his front-line squad.

Defender Jack Hobbs has already turned his loan spell at League One champions Leicester into a permanent deal for a nominal fee.

And Benitez may be prepared to sell the likes of Andriy Voronin, Jermaine Pennant, Paul Anderson, Adam Hammill and Craig Lindfield, all currently on loan, to raise cash.