LIVERPOOL, May 4 (SW) - If someone asked you your thoughts on the potential of Liverpool midfielder Mark Gonzalez, you could be forgiven for asking "Mark who?"
For the 21-year-old Chilean international has become something of a forgotten hero, but all that is about to change.
Gonzalez was signed by Benitez from Albacete for £4 million last summer, only for the English FA to refuse him a work permit.
He was hastily loaned out to Real Sociedad, where his performances have attracted the attentions of several clubs, including a trio of Spanish big names, Real Zaragoza, Real Betis and Deportiva La Coruna.
At the time of his signing, Chile were not ranked inside FIFA's top 70, hence the failure of a permit. Now, with Chile ranked 67, Gonzalez is also eligible for a Spanish passport, and suddenly Benitez has a transfer battle on his hands.
But the Liverpool boss is adamant that he will keep Gonzalez at Anfield.
"Three or four Spanish clubs have been asking about Gonzalez. I was in Madrid last week and I received two or three phone calls and all of them are talking about Mark. They want to buy or loan him depending on the power of the club but our idea is clear. We want the player here for next season."
Gonzalez is a pacey midfileder with the ability to play wide left/wing and has scored 5 goals from 13 appearances. At international level he has made 8 appearances this year, and scored 1.
www.soccerway.com
any info on the guy?