Will Rafa Benitez's departure affect the key players?

In modern football the loyalty card is often brandished - but rarely for reasons that are not monetary. When Jose Mourinho left Chelsea there was plenty of comment that 'his' players would follow the Portuguese to Inter Milan. But the predicted exodus simply didn't happen - footballers aren't sentimental.

There is also the consideration that with Benitez out of the way the owners can take the opportunity during the interregnum to sell Torres, Gerrard and Mascherano - without a dissenting voice; plus the fact that not every player will be inconsolable at Benitez's departure.

So with Rafa Benitez leaving Liverpool with that dread expression 'mutual consent' in the air (why does 'mutual consent' suggest undertones of S&M to me?) how will the better players respond?

Pepe Reina
Seemed to buy into Rafa Benitez's plans wholeheartedly, but seems more attached to Anfield that to his old manager. His comments recently that Liverpool needed to adjust their targets seemed a clear indication that Reina was digging in for the long-term come what may.

Value: £12m (goalkeepers rarely attract big money)
Will he leave Liverpool: 3/10
Would he follow Benitez given the chance: 3/10

Jamie Carragher
Despite growing up as an Everton fan, perhaps like the vehement anti-smoking stance of former smokers, few players in recent years seem as glued to Anfield as Jamie Carragher. He likes strong managers - so he is unlikely to be swayed by Benitez leaving unless a weak manager replaces him.

Value: Nominal
Will he leave Liverpool: 1/10
Would he follow Benitez given the chance: 1/10

Javier Mascherano
Plenty of chatter suggesting that his family is unhappy, although you would hardly believe it after seeing his commitment to the team. I was half expecting him to leave this summer anyway after being shunted to full-back ahead of a major tournament and the owners may well look to cash in on a player whose value is likely to be enhanced during the World Cup.

Value: £25m
Will he leave Liverpool: 7/10
Would he follow Benitez given the chance: 5/10

Steven Gerrard
As Gerrard hits his 30s this year there is little doubt that his body will not allow him more than two or three more years at the top. Simple logic suggests that he can stay at Liverpool through the hard season to come and remain a legend - or he can move to somewhere like Real Madrid and add to the trophies he won under Houllier and Benitez.

My guess is that the owners will cash in whilst there is no manager around to muddy the waters as this summer is probably the last one when Gerrard can attract a £20m bid. And I don't think Gerrard will fight too hard to stay; given the rumblings of his discontent with Benitez it seems unlikely that he will follow the Spaniard.

Value: £20m
Will he leave Liverpool: 7/10
Would he follow Benitez given the chance: 2/10

Fernando Torres
As Torres left his boyhood team to chase silverware at Liverpool there can be little doubt that he will be considering his future this summer. And it must grate that he will be training with so many more successful Barca players. If the signs are that there will be no short-term improvement in the playing squad then Torres will be open to offers - but will not take any chances by signing for a team that 'might' be successful, so may well resist early overtures.

Value: £50m (only Kaka and Ronaldo have cost more)
Will he leave Liverpool: 6/10
Would he follow Benitez given the chance: 5/10

*Will the owners take this opportunity to sell some of the best players without Benitez there to get in the way? Which players are more likely to stay or leave as a result of Benitez's departure? Let us know!