'Pepe's the best - by four seconds'
Goalkeeping coach John Achterberg believes Liverpool have the best stopper in English football.
The Dutchman pinpoints Pepe Reina's distribution and reading of the game as qualities which set him apart from his contemporaries.
The latter can mean he reacts up to four seconds quicker than other custodians according to Achterberg, who has also coached Joe Hart when the England No.1 was loaned to Tranmere.
"He is up at the top," said Achterberg when asked where Reina ranked among Barclays Premier League goalkeepers.
"His reading of the game is special. He reacts sometimes before the pass has happened. He already knows and is three or four seconds quicker than other 'keepers.
"And when we play on the break, when we win the ball back from free-kicks or corners, he's very good at setting up counter-attacks with his way of distributing. He picks the right passes 90 per cent of the time."
Reina hopes to face Hart and co when Spain play out a friendly with England on Saturday, though Barcelona's Victor Valdes and Iker Casillas of Real Madrid are also fighting for a place.
Achterberg for one would like to see our No.25 get the nod.
"He is not playing for Barcelona or Real Madrid - though he has the qualities to play for either of those clubs - so the fact Pepe is always in the squad means they rate him," said the 40-year-old, who played 253 games for Tranmere.
"I'd like him to play. Their manager will make the decision. They normally look to play everyone in friendlies so hopefully Pepe can start."
While Achterberg is charged with overseeing the training of all goalkeepers from U9 level up, one of his main duties is to prepare Reina for games - and provide feedback on the Spaniard's performances.
So how does he go about improving a man who owns a World Cup medal?
"You look at his games and see small details that maybe could be improved," said Achterberg. "You talk to Pepe and try to come up with sessions that improve those parts of his game. Although he has a lot of experience, he is very good, he has a professional mind, and he knows sometimes he can do things better."
Reina pulled off some spectacular saves in what was his 150th LFC clean sheet against Swansea last weekend, but sharp-eyed supporters may have noticed a fumble in the second half at the Kop end.
Achterberg revealed how our man between the sticks copes with such moments.
"Pepe responds really well to it, doesn't let it affect him," he said. "He gets on with it and is ready for the next one. If you let it affect you it gives you a problem for the rest of the game, because it affects the team and it affects your performance.
"It's a pressure you have to deal with. You have to be mentally strong to be a goalkeeper. If you make a mistake there can be a lot of criticism: the press; supporters, teammates, staff. You have to rise above it and carry on with your job.
"I haven't seen many goalkeepers who make fewer mistakes."
