BENITEZ MAKING STRIDES; The Anfield Iron tells it like it is Have your say at liverpoolbanter.co.uk.

Byline: SMITHY

AS disappointed as I am about losing out on the title this year, I'm more optimistic about the future at Anfield than I've been for a long time.

I honestly believe Rafa Benitez has made great strides as a manager this season and shown he is now getting to grips with English football and the Premier League.

Earlier in the season, particularly during those home draws, there were times when we dominated possession but played without enough purpose.

Now we have made vast improvements and shown we can mix it up when needed.

We were terrific at Old Trafford but two of our goals - the first from Torres and the last one from Dossena - were very direct. So I do see us maturing into a side which, under the Spaniard, can adapt to the style and demands of any game now.

Obviously the boss will need to strengthen the squad now and add depth.

It should be a summer of building and pressing on to make even more progress next season, rather than one spent dwelling on disappointment and what might have been.

Benitez has shown to me he has what it takes to produce a title winning side in England.

So once we've beaten Spurs on Sunday, let's all get ready to go at it again next season..