Real Madrid were set to sign a Liverpool player on Deadline Day, but Rafa Benitez stopped it

Were it not for Rafa Benitez, Alberto Moreno would have been playing his football at the Bernabeu this season.

Real Madrid were set to land the full back, but the former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez personally blocked move, ending the Spanish defender's hopes of returning to La Liga.

AS reported that Benitez decided to keep his faith with Alvaro Arbeloa as cover for Marcelo, and decided against signing the Liverpool defender. Moreno's form since coming to Anfield has been mixed, and he's admitted that in previous interviews that he has struggled to adapt to the physicality of the English game.

"Maybe the defensive aspect [is the toughest part of the Premier League]. This league is very physical, you're up against really fast and incisive players. In Spain it's more tactical and positional."

However, Moreno revealed that he is more than happy to remain a Liverpool player this season, and is looking forward to battling for a first team spot at the club.

"It's great. I realised what a great club this is right away. The first year was difficult because of the language issue and moving away from home, but I made 41 appearances, which is pretty good for my age and a club of Liverpool's stature."

Hat-tip to Bleacher Report