Does any more need to be said?
Pepe is a real class act in every sense of the word. If I were Spain's manager then I would be thinking very seriously about why he is not wearing the number 1. Don't get me wrong: Casillas is a fine keeper, but Pepe is more than just a fine keeper. On keeping alone I suppose it would be pretty close, with Casillas possibly pipping Reina in the shot stopping category. But Pepe completely blows Casillas out the water when it comes to everything else.
Pepe is a true sweeper-keeper. He performs the duties of a deep defender when the rest of the team is on attack (he even took a throw in against Birmingham when time was running out). He's comfortable with the ball at his feet and he knows how to drop his shoulder and wrong-foot oncoming strikers (which in turn allows him to play more useful clearances).
Then there is the attacking side of his play. Last season Pepe got himself three assists in three games against Real Madrid, Man Utd, and Aston Villa. He knows how to spot an opening and is always looking to get the ball out quickly. It's got to the point now where opposing strikers are having to crowd him out when he's got the ball in his hands just so that he can't release it early.
Finally we have his character. The quote above is but a hint at the love that Pepe has for our great club. When we played against Tottenham at Anfield and all the fans came out to meet the team bus, Pepe was apparently very emotional in the dressing room and said "That would never happen at any other club in the world".
Stevie recently gave an interview with LFC Weekly in which he tipped Pepe to someday lead the Reds as captain. "In training and on the pitch he's fantastic. He's always positive and helping his teammates. I can see a captain in him. I certainly hope he does because he deserves it." Remember that this is Steven Gerrard we are talking about. Captain fantastic himself. Though he's had a poor season by his standards he still knows what he's talking about.
While Stevie's season may have been poor, Pepe's has been fantastic. I will admit that two or three years ago I was unsure of whether Pepe was the man for the job. He seemed a little skittish and battled in the air. Now though, I am more surprised when he makes a mistake than when he makes a spectacular save. Pepe has my vote for our man of the season, and I will be very disappointed if he does not win it.
To sum it all up, Pepe was asked during the press conference about what affect qualification for the Champion's League would have on his long term future at the club. In reply he said: "Liverpool is one of the best clubs in the world. Whatever happens, whether we are in the Champions League or the Europa League, it is still Liverpool no matter what."
Well said, Pepe.
