Bolton 0 Liverpool 2: Xabi Alonso gave a midfield master-class - Rafa Benitez

"Clearly, Xabi is playing well," Benitez said.

"He played really well in his first year, too, but maybe now he has more confidence.

"The players around him are maybe better too - Torres running behind the defenders and Keane with his movement. It's easier when you have a lot of quality players around you."

Benitez was delighted with the way his side responded following their midweek exit from the Carling Cup.

However, he admitted the Reds should have killed Bolton off long before Gerrard headed home 18 minutes from time.

"It was important to get a win after the result at Tottenham," he said.

"The team worked really hard and in the first half we played really well.

"In the second half we were under pressure because they were pushing for an equaliser and were more physical.

"We needed to score a second goal to finish the game and we had a lot of opportunities.

"It's always a pity when you don't take chances, but at least we are creating them.

"It could have been better, but to win 2-0 away to a Bolton side who have been doing well recently I have to be pleased."

Benitez insisted referee Rob Styles was right to disallow Gary Cahill's header just before the break for a foul by Kevin Nolan on keeper Pepe Reina.

"It was a simple decision," he said.

"There is a rule that says the six yard box is for the keeper so if you have three players in front of the keeper he cannot go for the ball. It's obstruction and a free-kick."