Rafa Benitez is delighted Yossi Benayoun has rejected more lucrative offers to join Liverpool.
The Israeli midfielder is close to completing a move to Anfield after opting against signing a new contract at West Ham United.
He will cost in the region of £5million and Reds manager Benitez has expressed his admiration for Benayoun's attitude.
"He was offered a big new contract at West Ham and received offers from a lot of other clubs offering him more money," Benitez told the Liverpool Echo.
"But Yossi's message was always the same. He said he was desperate to only join Liverpool because this was his dream.
"When Rick (Parry), the Americans and I spoke about the player, we all agreed this is the kind of attitude we and our supporters really like.
"When you have quality players with his ability showing so much passion to play for your club, it's really good for the team."
Benitez also admits that Benayoun could fill a similar role to that previously occupied by Luis Garcia, who has returned to Spain with Atletico Madrid.
He added: "They are similar. Maybe Luis is a player who scores more goals and Benayoun tends to make more assists.
"Like Luis, he is a very technical, clever player with a lot of game intelligence. He can also play in many positions, giving us a different option for the team.
"I first saw him play for Racing Santander in La Liga when he was a really good player, but when he first came to England we were watching to be sure he could adapt to a different style of football."
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