Xabi Alonso: Few Liverpool fans will have known what to expect from Alonso when he arrived from Real Sociedad for £10.5 million in August.

However, he quickly won the affection of the Kop with his exceptional passing and endeavour from midfield. Currently out for three months with a broken ankle, Alonso's absence is a blow to the Reds' season.

Luis Garcia: Rafael Benitez captured the £6 million Spanish playmaker from Barcelona, having previously signed him on loan during his time at Tenerife. Garcia has since turned in some exciting performances, particularly at Anfield where has enjoyed the freedom to use his talent for beating defenders. If he can replicate that from away from home, he could prove to be a bargain.

Josemi: The first of Benitez's Spanish recruits, Josemi came to Anfield for £2 million from Malaga. Described by his manager as "a strong, aggressive player", the tall defender has enjoyed mixed fortunes on the pitch. He has operated mainly from right back and at times his inexperience in English football has showed.

Antonio Nunez: When Michael Owen left Liverpool for Real Madrid, midfielder Nunez moved in the opposite direction as part of the deal. Nunez had a frustrating start on Merseyside when a knee injury forced him to wait three months to make his debut. Now he is fighting for a place in Benitez's side, eager to show some of the attacking midfield play that got him spotted by Real as a youngster.

Mauricio Pellegrino: Though not a Spaniard himself, Pellegrino became something of a household name in La Liga during his eight years in Spain. With Benitez looking to add a Spanish feel to the Anfield back four, he looked to the Argentinian who commanded the Valencia back four for six years and in two Champions League finals.

Fernando Morientes: Last season's top scorer in the Champions League with Monaco, Morientes is seen by Benitez as the ideal man to partner Milan Baros in the Liverpool strike force. Tall, good in the air, skilful on the ground and hugely successful at Real Madrid, Morientes will be hunting goals to repay the £6.3 million Liverpool have paid for his services.