RAFA: WE ARE ALL DELIGHTED FOR STEVIE
Paul Hassall
13 May 2009
Rafael Benitez believes Steven Gerrard's outstanding displays over the past 12 months make him a deserving recipient of the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year award.
The Reds boss was delighted to hear that his skipper had beaten off stiff competition from the likes of Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs to become the first Liverpool player to land the gong since John Barnes back in 1990.
"I'm really pleased for Steven," Benitez said. "It is fantastic for him because he was competing with a lot of good players.
"For him to be named player of the year is massive credit to him and shows just how much he has achieved.
"He has scored 23 goals for our team already this season and clearly he has had another fantastic season.
"Everyone at the club is delighted that he has been given this award.
"When Steven was told that he was the winner the first thing he said to me was thanks to the staff and thanks to his team-mates.
"This is a very positive reaction and shows how much Steven is part of a team."
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