After rumours of an imminent departure proved unfounded, the Israeli has been in outstanding form since the turn of the year, netting six goals in his last 10 games.

And Benitez says: “When we brought in Yossi, we knew he was a very good player. The problem with him is that all the players want to play. Players of his type are normally less consistent than other players, but Yossi is in a positive cycle now.

“He is playing well, which means you can keep him on the pitch longer and that gives him more confidence, and that’s good for him.

“But we are lucky here. We have a lot of players that are working hard but aren’t playing. People now are talking about Yossi, but analyse the work-rate of Lucas Leiva for example. The other day I was telling him to score more, and he did.

“The mentality of these players is really good. You see Nabil El Zhar and David Ngog, they are young players that are working hard and an example for the others.”

Liverpool will be seeking to avenge a last-gasp defeat at West Ham last season, and a goalless draw at Anfield earlier in the campaign.

For their part, the Hammers are aiming to hold on to seventh place and the likely UEFA Europa League berth that will bring.

And Benitez has hailed the impact of Gianfranco Zola at the club since the Italian assumed charge earlier in the campaign.

“West Ham will be difficult,” he says. “Zola is doing a good job, they are confident and playing well.

“Zola was a fantastic player and now he is showing he can be a fine manager, he is doing a good job there.

“It was a little difficult for him at the start, it always is when a new manager takes over. But he is clever, he knows the league and what to do, he will make a good manager.

“But we know we have to win. A point is not good enough so the message is very clear to my players, win and increase the pressure ahead of United’s game on Sunday.”