Benayoun makes Liverpool debut

Plays second half against Werder Bremen in preseason friendly.

By ALLON SINAI
jp.services1 (photo credit: )
jp.services1
(photo credit: )
Yossi Benayoun made his debut for Liverpool in a preseason friendly against German side Werder Bremen on Tuesday night. The Israel captain came on as a substitute at half time during the game in Grenchen, Switzerland. The game also saw the debut of Fernando Torres, who moved from Atletico Madrid earlier this month. Torres had been a doubt but came on in the 65th minute. Earlier on Tuesday, Benayoun said he's fulfilling a childhood dream by joining Liverpool. "The atmosphere at Anfield is a dream and I can't wait for my first moment on the pitch," he told the Liverpool website. "It's a big move for me. It's been a dream since I was a little child to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world so I'm very happy." Benayoun also spoke of how tough it was for him to leave West Ham for Merseyside. "It was very difficult because I had a very good relationship with the people there and they treated me very well. It was hard to leave but when I heard of Liverpool's interest I couldn't say no," he said. "I explained to West Ham that this was my dream and I'm very grateful to them for letting me go." The midfielder, who said he turned down offers from three other clubs to join the Champions League runner-up, spoke as well of his targets and ambitions. "The main thing for me is to work hard, to try to do my best and to prove that I deserve to be here. These are the only things I'm thinking about at the moment." It is still unclear which position Benayoun will play for the reds and the player knows that he will have to fight for his place in the starting lineup. "When I decided to come here I knew I would be arriving at a club with more players, better players and more competition for places. I'm ready for the challenge, I believe in myself and I will try to do everything to prove what I am capable of. "I can play in several positions, but to tell you the truth I will play in any position as long as the manager picks me."