Former Everton defender Abel Xavier is happy seeing Rafa Benitez succeed with the Blues.

Xavier, like Benitez, spent time also with Liverpool.

He told the Liverpool Echo: "First of all I have to praise the courage of Rafa Benitez to make that decision. It shows that he believes in himself more than anything.

"Because of the rivalry, it was always going to be a move that created impact.

"Maybe because of his past he might not have considered making the move but he did it and from that moment onwards, he just has to concentrate on trying to build a strong Everton team and earn credit from the fans.

"The only way you can do that is through the results. On a daily basis, Benitez is just focusing on delivering that.

"I follow all of the teams I played for and at the moment I believe that Everton are competing in a positive way."