If there's any doubting as to why Rafael Benitez keeps on looking at Spain not only for first team players but also when it comes to picking players for the future then here is the reply: Spain 4 France 0.

That is the impressive result with which the Spanish U17s swept to the European title yesterday, one that equaled the best ever win in a final at this level. It was their second consecutive success and the sixth overall at this level of football, a sequence of results that England - who didn't even qualify for this tournament - can only dream of.

Given the unseemly scrap going on for John Bostock, the England U17 captain, who is refusing to sign a new contract at Crystal Palace in order to move to Tottenham Hotspur, and the millions being demanded by Cardiff for Aaron Ramsey, the wisdom of Benitez's strategy becomes increasingly apparent.

FIFA's attempts to force teams into fielding five local born players might change all that, but on talent and potential alone there really is no doubting as to where Liverpool should look. Even if, you would think, the academy should be operating in such a way as to produce players who are just as talented.

Of this latest Spanish squad Liverpool had one player, the highly rated Gerardo Bruna. The Argentine born midfielder enjoyed a good season for the reserves coming into his own later on during the season. In Turkey, Bruna only tasted action with a couple of substitute appearances during the group stages but the experience of being in such a successful group will prove to be invaluable for him.