Football FanCast columnist Alex Dimond feels that Rafa Benitez is approaching a crossroads in his Liverpool career.

In terms of tradition, stature and support, Liverpool FC is among the biggest clubs in the world. The club is steeped in history and silverware, at a level only a handful of clubs throughout the world can contend with. The club has long led the way in English football, and has been at the forefront of the cosmopolitan transformation the sport has witnessed in the recent times. To that extent, it is surprising to learn that the Anfield club's new £7million signing, Andrea Dossena, will become the first Italian international to play for the red half of Merseyside in its 116 year history.

The former Udinese left-back arrives on Merseyside with a fair bit of pressure on his shoulders, as he is widely expected to slot straight into the left-back berth of Rafa Benitez's side. His move is even believed to have paved the way for John Arne Riise to leave the club, removing any safety net he might have had. Expected to perform from Day 1, there will be nowhere to hide for the 26 year- old. As a free transfer arrival, Swiss right-back Phillipe Degen will no doubt be given time to prove his worth to the Kop - but Dossena will not be so lucky. As a result, Dossena is the first of many big summer transfers that will carry on their shoulders the transfer reputation of Mr Benitez.

The Spanish manager's record in the transfer market is somewhat patchy, with expensive signings such as Luis Garcia, Mark Gonzalez and Fernando Morientes failing to make any sort of long term impact at the club. His successes in the transfer market, most obviously Fernando Torres and Javier Mascherano, have both commanded top draw fees. Yet beyond these two marquee names, you fear there are very few Liverpool players that would find their way into another ‘Big Four' team. Carragher and Gerrard would surely find a place, but Benitez cannot claim credit for their signatures. He does, however, have to take responsibility for the signings of Dirk Kuyt, Peter Crouch and Jermaine Pennant - players who have all commanded significant transfer fees. While his recent signings have shown signs of improvement- Skrtel (£6m) has settled well and youngsters Lucas, Agger and Plessis look destined for great careers - they have yet to look like they will turn Liverpool into genuine title contenders.

Does Dossena have the talent to set the Premiership alight? Does he have the ability to challenge Evra, Cole et al as the best left-back in the league? Looking at his record, the omens don't look promising. As a youngster coming into a talented Verona side, the Italian had to suffer a disappointing relegation and two seasons in Serie B before Udinese eventually snapped him up. Initially struggling to impress with the Zebrette, he dropped out of favour with then manager Serse Cosmi, who sent him on loan to Serie A strugglers Treviso to gain some form. Dossena suffered his second relegation from Serie A with the minnows, and it was only in the last two seasons that he managed to assert himself at Udinese - helping the StadioFruiliclub toa reasonable 7^thplace finish last season. While he has been capped by Italy, he failed to make the final squad for Euro 2008.

Nevertheless, Dossena enjoys a burgeoning reputation in his home country, where he is highly regarded asan attacking fullback with good delivery and an eye for goal. His defensive qualities have not gone unnoticed either, and he is especially respected for performing best against top-class opposition. Such qualities bode well for Liverpool, who have lacked security at the position in recent times, and also tend to rely on their fullbacks for width and attacking thrust. From the stands, Dossena and Liverpool look a perfect fit - but if this doesn't translate to the pitch then surely questions will be asked.

Rafa Benitez is at a crossroads in his Liverpool career. If, as we are led to believe, Roman Abramovich is looking for a manager with a proven record in the Champions League, then there are only a handful of viable candidates. With Carlo Ancelotti seemingly committed to Milan, and Frank Rijkaard perhaps disenchanted with football at the moment, Benitez stands ahead of the crowd. He has clearly been affected and affronted by the Gillett/Hicks saga, which suggests he would be open to any advances that may come from Chelsea (complete with oodles of roubles) or another top club. Yet no advances appear to be forthcoming. Money will be available for the new Blues manager, but only if it is spent on targets that are sure to enhance the current squad - from his time on Merseyside, Benitez is yet to prove he can be trusted with that responsibility. Even his record with youth signings (Gabriel Paletta, anyone?) is open to some ridicule. The fact he has been unable to provide truly attractive football at Anfield is another black mark against his name. While he was winning big trophies, such criticisms were answered in the most effective way, but times change. It is damning that Barcelona were nonchalant about interviewing the Spaniard for their top job - preferring instead to appoint the inexperienced (club legend) Josep Guardiola. Rafa's stock is not as high as it once was.

Dossena himself is getting married this weekend, and whether being a newlywed will help or hinder his arrival in a new country is open to debate - but it will surely only serve to heighten the pressure on him next season. If he, and any future summer additions to Liverpool's squad,can produce the goods on the pitch next season then the Reds will undoubtedly have a great opportunity to seriously challenge for their first title in 19 years. But if he doesn't, you fear Benitez and Liverpool might be the ones heading for a divorce.

NB - Alex Dimond is competing in our Bloggers Euro Championship so if you can give his article a rating in the voting box, it would be greatly appreciated.

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