Difficult first Liverpool FC start for Maxi Rodriguez

Just as was the case at Stoke and against Spurs, there could be no questioning the desire, passion or commitment of Rafa Benitez's side.

But, worryingly, quality was in desperately short supply throughout an instantly forgettable contest.

It was a rude awakening for Reds new boy Maxi Rodriguez on a bitterly cold night in the Black Country.

This was the Argentinean's first start since he arrived on a three-and-a-half year contract from Atletico Madrid.

It's fair to assume it was something of a culture shock for the 29-year-old midfielder.

You might get time on the ball in La Liga, but not in the Premier League and he's got the bruises to prove it.

Rodriguez's work rate couldn't be faulted, but he wasn't able to stamp his authority on proceedings.

In truth, Wolves never allowed him to, constantly snapping at his heels and halting his progress by fair means or foul.

When he was clattered by Wolves skipper Karl Henry in the first half and referee Peter Walton waved play on, he looked on incredulously.

Late on he was whacked by Ronald Zubar and threw his hands up in frustration as the defender escaped with a ticking off.

Rodriguez earned the nickname 'La Fiera' as a child when his youth coach decided he raced around the pitch like 'A Fighting Bull'. Last night he must have felt like the matador.

It wasn't the full debut he had dreamed of, but having been in and out of the side at Atletico he clearly needs games under his belt.

He's small in stature and not blessed with great pace but he was tidy in possession and one defence-splitting pass created an opening for returning skipper Steven Gerrard.

If Gerrard had been fully fit he would have burst on to the ball and buried it. As it was he didn't have the legs and a rare opportunity went begging.

Rodriguez showed his versatility by switching to the left following the introduction of David Ngog in the second half, but for long periods this game passed him by.

The new signing undoubtedly has a fine pedigree and his scoring record in club football is impressive with a goal every three games. That's one area where the Reds desperately need him to contribute.

Dirk Kuyt rose to the occasion against Spurs last week but with top scorer Fernando Torres sidelined someone else needs to carry the burden. The lack of firepower last night was glaring.

With money so tight, Benitez is unlikely to get the striker he clearly needs to boost his options before the transfer window shuts next Monday.

And if that's the case goals from the wide areas are going to be crucial.

With Kuyt having struggled on the right this season and Ryan Babel seemingly having burned his bridges with Benitez, Rodriguez is set to get the run of games he craves.

He may need time to adjust to the rigours of the English top flight but the Reds' Champions League hopes depend on him being a fast learner.

If it was a tough night for Rodriguez, it was the kind of contest his fellow countryman Javier Mascherano relishes.

Mick McCarthy placed the emphasis firmly on containment and it soon degenerated into a war of attrition with Mascherano and Lucas fighting it out for midfield supremacy against Henry and Nenad Milijas.

This was a night for artisans rather than artists and Mascherano excelled.

The two Argentineans are close friends and Rodriguez may have a key role to play in convincing Mascherano to stay put when Barcelona surely come calling again next summer.

Wolves had the best chances with Kevin Doyle toe poking wide and Kevin Foley nodding straight at Reina in the first half.

In fact it took the best part of an hour for the Reds to force home keeper Marcus Hahnemann into action with the ineffective Albert Riera forcing a save.

Fortune may favour the brave but Benitez opted to play safe.

There is no escaping the fact that a golden chance went begging on a night when the only winners were Tottenham, Manchester City and Aston Villa.