Much of the attention surrounding Liverpool’s reserve team has centred around the side’s attacking players. It is the likes of Kristian Nemeth, Jay Spearing and Damien Plessis. Any interest in the back line has normally focused on Emiliano Insua, the Argentine left-back that many feel is ready for Premier League football.

Yet this is a team that hasn’t conceded in seven games and which has only let in five goals in the whole season: the defenders are doing their job as well.

Those statistics are all the more remarkable considering that Miki Roque and Jack Hobbs, the regular central defensive pairing of last season, never got going this time round with Roque going on loan to Xerex and Hobbs eventually moving to Scunthorpe.

In their absence, the choice has fallen on Ronald Huth and Mikel San Jose Donimguez both of whom have been impressive. The Paraguayan has improved immeasurably since joining Liverpool last season but sadly for him too often he has been eclipsed by San Jose.

The young Spaniard’s reputation was already quite high when he joined in the summer fresh from having won the European Under 19 Championship. Those positive reports were confirmed as soon as he started playing where it immediately became apparent that he was a modern defender, one who is comfortable with the ball at his feet and not only when he has to stop others from playing.

Gary Ablett, often so reluctant to talk about his players, was quite gushing in his praise of the defender. “He has an eye for a pass, good composure on the ball, he's physically stronger and can compete against the more robust forwards. He can also use his brain to deal with the smaller, quicker ones, so he's another one who is going to be a very good player.”

Injuries forced Rafael Benitez to add San Jose to Liverpool’s squad for the league trip to Chelsea and although the Spanish youngster didn’t get on Benitez said that had the defender been needed he wouldn’t have hesitated in playing him.

Such comments are bound to boost a young defender’s morale and enhance motivation. Perhaps more importantly than that, it should ensure that San Jose is ready for the call whenever it comes.

Interested in reading more about Liverpool's young players? Find many more profiles here.