Daniel Ayala has made an earlier than expected breakthrough to the Liverpool team this season.

The 18-year-old rejected a professional contract offer from Sevilla when he learned of Rafael Benitez’s interest in him, and in 2007 he headed to Anfield.

The defender spent the 2007-08 season settling into life in England whilst appearing occasionally for the Under-18’s, and last season he played more often and also featured for the reserves.

Ayala was expected to have another campaign outside of the first team this term, but he made his first team debut against Tottenham Hotspur and then started in the 4-0 win over Stoke City.

The Spaniard remains an unknown quantity for anyone but the keenest of Liverpool fans, so for those who may have seen him more than others…has Benitez found a gem?