Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez was delighted with Xabi Alonso's performance in yesterday's 2-0 win at Bolton Wanderers.

Asked if Alonso was playing his best football since arriving in England, Benitez replied: "Clearly he is playing well.

"He played really well in his first year too. Okay, now he has more confidence and the players around him are maybe better too, like Gerrard and Javier Mascherano.

"It makes it easier for a midfielder when they have good movements of people like Fernando Torres and Robbie Keane in front."