Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina is rated the best in the country by manager Rafa Benitez.

The Spanish stopper has been one of Liverpool's top performers this season and the Reds boss feels he has proved himself to be one of the finest signings of his tenure.

"We are really pleased because I remember at the beginning people said for England, in the air, he is not the best," explained Benitez to liverpoolfc.tv.

"He is the best in England - miles away from the others - and we are really pleased to keep him here for a long time. He is always organising the defenders and is more than a keeper.

"Sometimes the style of goalkeepers is for them to be really good in the six-yard box but Pepe is really good in the 18-yard box. When you talk about a goalkeeper in a top side he normally doesn't have much to do.

"To be involved in this game especially at the end and the save shows the level of the player.

"Pepe is a key player and it is 100 per cent he will continue with us.

"Since he came from Villarreal always he has shown his character and his passion, his commitment with the club."