Reina bolsters defensive confidence

Both Steve Finnan & Sami have been quick to acknowledge the positive impact our new Spanish keeper has made:

Hyypia told Liverpoolfc.tv: "I think Pepe has been great for us. When he first came he didn't speak much English but he's learning well very quickly. He is a good goalkeeper, very commanding in his area and he communicates a lot with us which is always a very good sign. "He hasn't had a lot to do in the games we have played so far but we have to be happy as a team that we have stopped the opposition from creating too many chances. He has been brilliant and is a very good goalkeeper." The Finnish international says a real feature of Reina's game is his punch when he gets great distance from them but admitted he wouldn't like to get on the end of a Pepe punch! Hyypia said: "He has got a heck of a punch on him and I wouldn't like his fist in the back of my head so I think it's best to stay away when he does that! He punches the ball in training and gets a lot of distance with them, some even go over the halfway line!" Steve Finnan echoed the praise from the Finn Hyypia and told Liverpoolfc.tv: "I think Pepe is a quality keeper and he has impressed everyone. He has got a good presence about him and he communicates well with the back four. He has a big physical presence. "He can punch a ball to the halfway line which is good for us as it gives the rest of the team confidence knowing we have a keeper who will take charge of the situation and punch the ball that distance. Mind you when he does it you have to duck and get out of the way! "We have got quality goalkeepers here with Jerzy and Scott Carson and it's good for the club."

The Goalkeeping spot is one of the most important in the team and, if Reina can be as successful as his early perfomances have suggested, he will help convert defeats into draws and draws into wins. Judging by the above comments on his punching if football doesn't work out for Pepe he can always take up heavyweight boxing!

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