Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has paid tribute to Rafa Benitez for the work he did improving the club's academy.

Benitez was responsible for bringing Pep Segura, Rodolfo Borrell and Frank McParland to Kirkby three years ago. The Reds reached the semifinals of the NextGen series this season.

"I think it's been fantastic and it's a great credit to the changes that Rafa made three years ago, bringing in Pep, Rodolfo and Frankie," Dalglish told LFC TV after helping to welcome 22 new under-8 players to the Academy on Thursday.

"The way it has moved forward is a credit to anyone who has helped in any way, shape or form.

"It was Rafa who brought these people in and we should always be grateful to him for doing that.

"In years to come, if we get some players through it, I'm sure he'll be just as proud as any of the players are. And he should be proud about what he's set up here."