Rafa salutes Brazilian ace

Rafa Benitez has praised the quality of Fabio Aurelio as he prepares to make his 100th appearance for the club against Arsenal on Sunday.

The Brazilian full-back returned to action as a late substitute against Fiorentina and could return to the starting line-up against Arsene Wenger's side at Anfield.

"Fabio is a player with quality," Rafa told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"He is also a very good professional and a nice lad. Every manager and every player would be pleased to have Fabio in their team.

"The problem with Fabio has been his injuries but if he can be available we will be very pleased because he has the quality we are looking for in a left-back or left-winger we have used him recently.

"His deliveries from set pieces are very good and it is very dangerous for us. When he plays we have better possession because he has quality."

Meanwhile, the boss believes Scouse defender Stephen Darby will come back a stronger player following the unfortunate error that resulted in Fiorentina's winning goal on Wednesday night.

The reserve team captain was making his first competitive start for the club and made a favourable impression on Benitez overall.

"I thought his performance wasn't bad," the boss added. "I have watched and analysed the game again and he was doing well. I was really disappointed for him as always for a young player to make a mistake in the last minute is bad and then to lose the game it is worse.

"He was down in the dressing room after the game but we were supporting him. This can happen sometimes in football.

"The main thing is to show character and show you want to improve and change things. To stay disappointed and be a little bit down is normal but you have to be ready for the next training session.

"He did well in training on Friday and he was working hard as always so while I think it is something that will be on his mind for a while I am sure he will progress, continue to improve and be the player that he was before."