Rafa: Starlet has bright future

Rafael Benitez believes Daniel Pacheco's cameo role against Fiorentina showed he is capable of performing at a high level.

The Spanish starlet made his debut during the 2-1 defeat and almost scored with his first touch of the ball.

The 18-year-old has been one of the most consistent performers for John McMahon's table-topping reserve team this season and the boss insists there is a lot more to come from him.

"Pacheco is a player with quality who has been doing really well for the reserve team," Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"When you are a young player with quality you need to show the passion and the spirit. We didn't have any doubt about him in terms of his quality and now he has to keep working hard because he is very close to the first team squad.

"He showed his quality when he came on against Fiorentina and he also showed that he wasn't afraid of his opponents.

"He now needs to keep working hard and be consistent. If he can do that then he will have a chance with the first team."