Premier League Title Race Is Wide Open - Jamie Carragher

Veteran centre-back Jamie Carragher believes the Premier League will go right down to the wire this season.

"The title race will be open. Manchester United have lost Cristiano Ronaldo and, hopefully, Fernando Torres will be fit all season for us," Carragher told the Daily Express.

"You never write off someone as good as Arsene Wenger. Cesc Fabregas was injured a bit last season, but Andrey Arshavin looks a top player and Theo Walcott will benefit from another year's experience," he added.

The Liverpool defender said his side are at a disadvantage in the transfer market, but despite this, he thinks the Reds have some high quality players.

"There are a few clubs who have got more money than us. Real Madrid, United, Chelsea and, obviously, Manchester City have come on the scene.

"I still think City would like a lot more of our players," said Carragher.

Even though he has been a mainstay in the Liverpool defence for a considerable time, the Liverpudlian refuses to rest on his laurels and admits the fear of being dropped drives him forward.

"The reason I am that type of player is fear really. It's fear of losing my place," he explained.

"I know it sounds stupid to some people but I never feel like I have cemented my place, that it can all be taken away from me very quickly.

"I always try to do something different each summer to try to get that extra couple of per cent. I went boxing, I've always eaten well and now I eat to the absolute maximum," said the 32-year-old.

"We are all getting older, but another way of looking at it is Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel are getting more experienced, which is going to help them.

"They are coming into the prime of their careers. I am not stupid. I am 32 in January. It will happen one day."

Rafa Issues Babel Warning

Rafa Benitez has warned Ryan Babel he is fighting for his Liverpool future following his failure to make an impression at Anfield.

The Dutch forward has shown only glimpses of his true talent following a big-money move from Ajax in 2007.

Benitez has shown patience with his £11.5million capture but now feels the 22-year-old is underperforming having had time to adapt to English football.

While admitting he will give the Amsterdam-born wide man further opportunities to impress, Benitez has issued a blunt message with regards what he expects this season.

"Ryan has to give something to us this time and he knows it," said Benitez.

"He will have opportunities to prove himself with so many games coming up, but it is important he has the right mentality.

"Maybe there were some problems adapting to a new style when he arrived as a young player.

"He knows what is going on here now and hopefully can perform better. He accepts he has to perform at a different level this year."

John Aldridge: Massive Year Ahead For Liverpool FC's Fringe Players

The performance against Stoke was the perfect response to last Sunday’s setback at Tottenham.

What happened at White Hart Lane was hugely disappointing.

It looked to me as though a lot of players needed to get 90 minutes under their belts.

Pre-season wasn’t the best with players coming back late and other things happening plus the injuries.

I don’t think the team that started at Spurs had played enough minutes together. Tottenham’s preparations were better and it showed as they were a yard quicker than us in the first half.

It took until the second half for us to get going but the lack of options on the bench underlined the problems.

Our second string players just aren’t quite up to it. It’s a massive season for the fringe players and when they get a chance they have to take it.

Ryan Babel has had so many chances but for me he doesn’t seem to want it badly enough. Babel seemed to let the game pass him by and if he’s not careful his Liverpool career will pass him by as well.

Yossi Benayoun made a big difference when he came on and showed he wants to make that position his own.

Everyone was looking for a reaction against Stoke and we got it.

Glen Johnson has really impressed and given us a new dimension going forward. Teams have been doubling up on him and that creates space in other areas for the likes of Steven Gerrard to exploit.

Rafa has clearly told his full-backs to get forward whenever they get the chance and their contribution is going to be pivotal.

It was a baptism of fire for young Daniel Ayala against a team who play percentage football but he did well. He showed he has got talent and those 90 minutes will do him the world of good.

A lot has been said about Lucas.

In the last couple of years he hasn’t really warranted a place in the team but with Xabi Alonso gone he now has an opportunity to show what he can do.

Give the lad some credit, he has done OK in the two games so far and now he needs to build on that.

Rafa has clearly seen something in him that fans and ex-players haven’t.

We only say or write what we see and give our opinion. The fact is I would love nothing more than Lucas to succeed at Liverpool.

Aston Villa come to Anfield on Monday and we must take the game to them in the same way we did last March. That 5-0 win was fantastic and they will be worried about a repeat.

Cobblers Seal Threlfall Capture

Northampton Town have signed Liverpool youngster Robbie Threlfall on an initial one-month lean deal.

The 20-year-old full-back is a regular for the Reds' reserve side, while he has twice tasted FA Youth Cup success during his time at Anfield.

He spent much of the 2007/08 season on loan at Hereford, while he took in similar spells with the Bulls and Stockport County last term.

"Robbie is a good young player with a good pedigree," Cobblers boss Stuart Gray told the club's official website.

"He is a natural left-back and with the injuries to Liam Davis and Danny Jackman we have been a bit short in that area.

"He already has some Football League experience and hopefully he can add to that while he is here.

"He is a young player who is keen to play first team football and make an impact, and I am sure he will do well for us."

Liverpool's Fabio Aurelio Back In Training

After all the defensive set-backs to Liverpool squad in recent times, the Reds finally have something to cheer about, as full-back Fabio Aurelio has resumed training at Melwood.

The former Valencia defender suffered a knee injury during the summer, which meant that he was unable to wear a red shirt for the start of the Merseyside club's 2009-10 campaign.

But manager Rafael Benitez has revealed that the 29-year-old is now back in training and is edging towards a return to the first team.

"Aurelio was training yesterday," Benitez revealed on the club's official website.

"I was watching him and he did well."

The manager confirmed that Aurelio is on a different training regime in order to ease his way into the rigours of first team football, but maintained that he is close to making a comeback for the Reds.

"He is not training with the team," the Spaniard stated.

"But he is working with the fitness coach and is very close. We will have to see if he has any other problems, but he is very close."

Reds Complete Kyrgiakos Transfer

Greece international Sotirios Kyrgiakos has completed his transfer to Liverpool and signed a two-year contract.

The 30-year-old has passed a medical to finalise his switch from AEK Athens, and will go straight into the squad for Monday's Barclays Premier League home match against Aston Villa at Anfield.

He is likely to partner Jamie Carragher in the heart of defence, taking the place of teenager Daniel Ayala who made his full debut in Wednesday's 4-0 win over Stoke.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is without two key defenders through injury. Danish centre-back Daniel Agger will have an operation on his back in Germany on Tuesday, and will be out for six weeks.

Martin Skrtel is still struggling with a damaged jaw, sustained at Tottenham last weekend, and is not expected to be fit to face Villa.

Benitez has been searching for defensive cover for weeks, having tried to sign Ryan Shawcross and Michael Turner. He was also linked this week with West Ham's Matthew Upson.

But Liverpool's owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks are believed to have put the block on any further major signings, meaning that Benitez has had to search for the cheaper options.

He has snapped up Kyrgiakos for £2million, and said of his latest signing: "He has had experience in Scotland with Rangers, and in Germany with Eintracht Frankfurt as well as with the Greek national side.

"He is strong and good in the air, and we were looking for experience and he is the perfect answer."

Kyrgiakos, who has been capped 50 times by Greece and will be unveiled to the media tomorrow, described his decision to move to England as "the biggest challenge of my career".

The tough-tackling defender moved back to Greece in 2008 after one season at Rangers and two with Eintracht Frankfurt.

Benitez maintains that Kyrgiakos will be an excellent signing for the Reds, saying: "He is a tough defender who is strong and good in the air.

"He has a strong character and we were looking for these things.

"He can score goals and will be a threat from corners and free-kicks. He is very strong in defence but he will need time as always to settle into the Premier League. He will be a very good signing for us.

"We knew the player when he was with Rangers and we've been watching videos of him at Frankfurt and the national team. Our scout department had a lot of information.

"We have talked about the things he has done before and the things he will have to do for us. It was good. He knows what we want and he's ready to work."

Benitez claims the acquisition of Kyrgiakos will be of benefit to young defenders such as Martin Kelly and Ayala.

He said: "It will be positive. I was talking with Ayala about this. When the young players see someone with experience it is positive because they can learn from them.

"It also means they have more time. If they have to play some games they can but they are not under pressure."

Kyrgiakos' arrival will alleviate Benitez's injury problems in defence.

Benitez is still hopeful that Agger could return before too long.

He said: "If everything goes well it won't take too much time, maybe a few weeks."

Benitez confirmed he will make a late decision on the fitness of Skrtel ahead of Monday's match against Villa.

The Slovakian is still recovering following a clash of heads with Jamie Carragher against Tottenham, and missed the midweek game with Stoke.

Benitez said: "He is training. We had to decide on Wednesday about him, but it was too soon to take any risks. Okay, we'll see on Monday."

One player who will be fit despite requiring stitches to his eyebrow after a collision in the win over Stoke is striker Fernando Torres.

Benitez added: "He has some stitches but he is okay. He is training with his team-mates and I think he will be okay for Monday."

Benitez: No Need For Ref Alert

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez insists Sotirios Kyrgiakos will not fall foul of Premier League referees despite his reputation as a footballing hardman.

Greece international Kyrgiakos has signed for £2million from AEK Athens, and the 6ft 5in centre-back will be embarking on his second spell in British football.

The 30-year-old brings an aggressive presence, and in his 18-month spell with Rangers which ended three years ago he picked up three red cards.

But Benitez is confident his latest recruit has matured since those days in the SPL.

Benitez said: "Ever since Sami Hyypia left the club we have been looking for a player with this amount of experience and skill.

"He is the kind of player we needed. Strong in the air, he is physical and can give us something different in defence.

"He did have a few problems in Scotland with red cards, but I am not concerned. He is matured a lot since then and can channel the physical side of his game properly.

"Kyrgiakos is a very strong player. Everyone will remember him at Rangers and with Frankfurt, and also the Greek national side.

"He is aggressive, very strong and a physical presence in both areas. We were looking for a player who could compete and tackle."

Benitez has yet to decide whether to bring Kyrgiakos straight into the side for Monday's home clash with Aston Villa.

Martin Skrtel, despite a broken jaw, may still have a chance of playing while teenager Daniel Ayala is again standing by.

Benitez said: "We certainly needed a new defender. Daniel Agger will have an operation next week on his back, and he may well be out for a few weeks.

"He has had problems with his back before, but this is different and not the old injury. That is why I feel he will not be out as long as people think, four or five weeks maximum.

"Skrtel has a broken jaw, and although he can train and has been today, we have to decide whether we can take the risk with him.

"Ayala did well in the Stoke match, but he is young and was a little nervous at the beginning. He improved as the game went on and we were pleased with him.

"But having signed Kyrgiakos, we have that cover now and a player with experience that Dani can learn from.

"I feel Kyrgiakos can compete with Agger, Skrtel and Carragher. He gives us a different option as well as a massive physical presence.

"We needed someone like this to compete and be aggressive. He has done that in Scotland so well feel he can be good here.

"I am not worried about any previous disciplinary problems, he has more experience now and knows how to manage situations.

"I do not think he will be worried about the physical aspect of the game in England.

"He also knows that there is a lot of competition already here. This is a top side and he will have to fight for his place and also be supportive of his colleagues."

Kyrgiakos was unlucky to miss Greece's Euro 2004 success through injury, and had to sit and watch his countrymen lift the title in Portugal.

Unveiled today at the club's Melwood training ground, Kyrgiakos admitted the chance to join Liverpool was an offer he just could not refuse.

He said: "I am very happy to have this chance even though I had just signed a new contract with AEK.

"But although it was a good contract, you never stop having ambitions in life, and that is why I am here.

"When you are approached by a club like Liverpool, it is an offer you just cannot refuse.

"I hope that I can bring my strength to this squad, I am good in the air and I have a lot of experience now, so I hope I an be of benefit to Liverpool.

"I have played for Rangers in Scotland and Frankfurt in Germany, that has given me a lot of experience of competitive leagues so I believe I will adapt quickly."

He added: "I know that there have not been many Greek players who have been successful in the English game, so I feel that I have something to prove for my country, that we can play at this level.

"For me it is a chance to have success at the very top. I was injured when Greece were European champions in 2004, these things happen in football.

"So I have plenty of motivation to do well in the Premier League and help Liverpool to be successful.

"I had a few disciplinary problems in Scotland, but not too much. I feel I have learned now how to be physical in this style of football."

Davies Wary Of Torres Threat

Curtis Davies has hailed Fernando Torres as "one of the best strikers in the world" and warned that Aston Villa will have to be at their best to contain the Liverpool star in Monday's Premier League clash at Anfield.

Central defender Davies is looking for Villa to erase the memory of last season's 5-0 drubbing in the corresponding fixture, and bounce back quickly from last night's single goal reversal by Rapid Vienna in the Europa League first leg qualifier.

Davies is battling to overcome a shoulder injury in time to face the Reds, but is aware whoever is in action faces a demanding test of their abilities if they are to shackle Torres.

The former West Brom skipper said: "You can't have special plans for a player like Torres because he's one of the best strikers in the world.

"If you make a plan for him he'll do something different. He's that good a player. Last year we didn't do well against Liverpool - but at least he was quiet - and the year before we did well when we drew 2-2.

"We play against top players every week but they don't get any bigger than Torres.

"We'll have to be on our game and hopefully it'll be more like the scoreline of two years ago than of last season."

Davies is aware of the need for Villa to chalk up their first win of the campaign after being being beaten at home by Wigan in the opening league encounter last weekend, when they were booed off the pitch.

But the former England Under-21 player knows the doom and gloom can be quickly lifted with a couple of positive results.

He said: "It's very important to get our first points on the board because Fulham at home the Sunday after next will be a tough game as well.

"If we can get a point against Liverpool, and go into the return with Rapid Vienna and Fulham game positively, then we can hopefully go into the international break with a decent standing in the table."

Davies has been dogged by shoulder problems in recent years and it had previously flared up in pre-season during the Peace Cup tournament in Spain.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill is hoping Davies can avoid surgery in the immediate future, particularly as he has only two experienced centre-backs in the ex-Luton player and Carlos Cuellar at his disposal at present.

Davies said: ""I don't know about Monday. It's one of those situations where I'll try and give it a go but I'll have to see what the doctors say.

"It came out [the shoulder] against Porto in the Peace Cup and I was back playing two days later against Juventus so we'll wait and see."

I Will Play Anywhere To Play Regularly For Liverpool - Yossi Benayoun

Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun has revealed he is happy to play wherever his manager ask him, if it means starting regularly.

The Israel captain has made several appearances off the bench for the Anfield club but is hopeful that his versatility can finally secure a starting spot.

Benayoun told Liverpool's official website, "Every player wants to start every game but it is the manager's decision to decide who is to start and who will not, so every time that I get my chance I just try to do my best.

"Even if I only get to come on for 10 or 20 minutes or, like on Wednesday night, when I get to start I always give my all. I always try my best to impress."

The twenty-nine-year old has won many fans with his attitude towards the game, both at club and national level.

In the Euro 2008 qualification round Benayoun received several injections in order to be available for Israel's match against Croatia.

Benayoun played through the pain barrier with an effort that ruled him out of action for his then club side, West Ham United, for several weeks.

The versatile midfielder admits he wants to play more but believes the best way to do that is to work hard and impress his manager.

"Of course I want to start more and more games but my job is to work hard and try to prove myself and this is what I try to do," he added.

"I like to play from the left. A few years ago for the national team in Israel I always played on the left and I enjoy it.

"I am able to cut inside to the middle and get plenty of the ball, which makes it a bit easier. But I will be happy to play anywhere."

Benayoun has made 91 appearances for Liverpool since his move from West Ham in 2007, scoring 20 goals.

Hibernian's Sol Bamba Claims Liverpool Interest

Souleymane 'Sol' Bamba appears to see his future away from Hibernian's Easter Road ground, and claims interest from some interesting names: French outfits Lorient and Grenoble, and also Premier League big guns Liverpool.

The 24-year-old former Paris Saint-Germain youngster first came to Scottish football with Dunfermline, before moving on to Hibs.

Liverpool have moved for Sotirios Kyrgiakos - who previously played in Scotland for Rangers - in terms of boosting their options in the centre of defence, yet the Ivory Coast international is adamant.

"I've been told by my agent there has been a lot of interest in me in the summer," Bamba told The Daily Record.

"Liverpool, Lorient and Grenoble are all following me, and obviously it's flattering.

"Any player would be attracted to a club of Liverpool's size, but I can't think too much about that until there is a concrete offer from them."

Hibernian appointed John Hughes as their new manager this summer, and the gaffer is unlikely to be thrilled to see the stopper looking outside of the green half of Edinburgh.

Diakhate Coy On Reds Link

Pape Diakhate has admitted that he is flattered to be a reported target of Premier League giants Liverpool.

The Reds are believed to be keen to strengthen their defensive options before the end of the transfer window, and have been linked with a number of potential targets.

Dynamo Kiev ace Diakhate is the latest name to be thrown into the rumour mill, with the Reds reported to have had the Senegal international watched on several occasions.

The 25-year-old insists no official approach has been made as yet from any of the clubs chasing his signature, but he accepts that anything could happen before the end of the month.

"I am wanted by several clubs," Diakhate told skysports.com.

"I am not saying anything about Liverpool, Bordeaux or anyone at the moment.

"I am happy the way things are, I have a contract until 2011, and everything will be sorted out by 31st August.

"To be linked with a huge club like Liverpool does make you feel valued, though, and makes you dream of what could be."

Daniel Agger Set To Go Under The Knife As Liverpool Boss Benitez Faces More Defensive Worry

Daniel Agger faces up to two months on the sidelines after being booked in for surgery on his back injury.

The Liverpool centre-back will have an operation in France on Tuesday and has pencilled in Denmark's World Cup qualifiers with Sweden and Hungary in the middle of October for his comeback.

Rafa Benitez is short of cover after he missed out on his main defensive target Matthew Upson.

Benitez realised the extent of his cash restraints when the bank blocked a proposed £17million bid for West Ham centre-back Upson, though he did succeed with a near-£2m move for AEK Athens defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos.

Rafael Benitez Hits Out Lucas Leiva's Critics

Rafael Benitez has hit out at Lucas Leiva's critics following the Liverpool midfielder's call-up for Brazil's forthcoming World Cup qualifiers.

The Liverpool manager has become increasingly annoyed at the criticism of the 22-year-old, and has suggested he is an easy target compared to more established stars.

"Lucas has a very good mentality. But for someone of his age to suffer such criticism from the experts on TV is wrong," he said.

"He is so good but still he was criticised. I do not understand why they do not criticise other players, more senior players, when they do not play well. He is an easy target and maybe they are not brave enough to criticise the bigger players here."

He added: "But he will have a big season. He was the best player in pre-season and at Spurs, when we did not play well, he was still one of the best alongside Glen Johnson and Pepe Reina.

"Against Stoke he again showed his quality. He has a very good mentality. He can tackle, win headers and pass the ball. He will make mistakes like anyone, but he is and will be a very good player. I was really pleased for Lucas, in particular, after the win against Stoke and his performance.

"I have been really surprised at the amount of criticism he has had to cope with from the pundits, the so-called experts. Lucas is still a young player but he has experience. And after the display against Stoke everyone can see, even the so-called experts on TV pundit panels, can see he is a very good player.

"Hopefully they will now stop using him as a target. He is a very good lad, an excellent professional. I find it hard to understand that if you are an expert on TV, you cannot see these things."

Lucas will be in Liverpool's midfield on Monday for the home game with Aston Villa, and he has earned a call-up for Brazil for their crucial World Cup ties against Argentina and Chile next month.

Everything Was Easier In Brazil - Liverpool's Lucas Leiva

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has admitted that he found adjusting to life in England a challenge.

The Brazilian international has been handed the tough task of replacing Spanish international Xabi Alonso at anfield this season and admits he found the game much easier back in Brazil.

He told Liverpool's official website, "Back in Brazil everything seemed to progress perfectly from when I was a kid. I played well, scored goals and won titles - it was easy.

"When I moved to Liverpool it was suddenly different and I've had some difficult moments. However, these experiences can help me. They have made me stronger."

The twenty-two-year-old is confident he can help Liverpool push on towards an historic Premier league title and is hopeful of adjusting his game to become more of an attacking influence for the club.

"I realised I had to be stronger. I've done plenty of work in pre-season so I'm better able to cope with the physical side of the game here," he added.


"I feel stronger. I'm playing well and I'm enjoying it here. I hope that continues.

"Now, I think I'll be able to get forward more and believe I can have a good year and help us challenge for the title again."

Liverpool's Lucas Leiva Weary Of Media Attention

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has revealed that he is beginning to feel weary of the spotlight after taking centre-stage following Xabi Alonso's transfer to Real Madrid.

"Every time I speak to anyone they always ask me to try to find out how I am playing," Lucas told the Liverpool Daily Post.

"But when the team play well it helps everyone.

"I’m just trying to do my best for the team. I want to do well for myself, but the first thing is to help the team win.

"I’m playing well and training well, doing things in the right way, so now I just have to keep going."

The 22-year-old reiterated that Alonso's departure to Spain does not mean that he will fill the role of the pass-master.

"Some people have said ‘Lucas might fill Xabi’s boots’," he continued.

"But his departure doesn’t mean that. It is an opportunity for a few players.

"The boss has options. He can use Stevie [Steven Gerrard] in midfield or [Alberto] Aquilani when he’s fit, or maybe me or Jay Spearing. Nothing is guaranteed."

The rising star then went on to speak of the game against Stoke City at Anfield, where the hosts ran out 4-0 victors.

"We knew they would defend a lot and Rafa [Rafael Benitez] said to me to play a little bit higher, so that Javier [Mascherano] can get the ball and I can get forward more often," he said.

"Playing higher up is the key to beating the smaller teams, who just come to defend."

The 1-0 defeat suffered by Manchester United at Turf Moor against Burnley suggested that this year could see the Premier League title being a tightly fought contest.

"I am sure United, Chelsea and Arsenal will be strong at home and we have to be too," remarked the former Gremio player.

"It will again be a difficult competition to win but we know we have the quality to do that [win the Premier League]."

Glen Johnson Looking To Build On Flying Start To Life At Liverpool

Glen Johnson admits he could hardly have expected a better start to his Anfield career after the England full-back put in an impressive performance during the 4-0 win over Stoke on Wednesday night.

The £18m summer signing scored a sublime finish on his home debut and helped to create two more in a devastating display of attacking full-back play down the right.

And Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez and skipper Steven Gerrard were lining up to praise Johnson, who turns 25 on Saturday.

Even in defeat at Spurs last weekend Johnson was the Liverpool star turn, winning a penalty with a battling run into the box and attacking on the flank whenever the chance came along, much to his delight.

'It has been absolutely brilliant for me so far at Liverpool,' said Johnson. 'The lads and everyone at the club have been fantastic.

'It was great to run out at Anfield, and to get the three points and keep a clean sheet made it a perfect night for me.

'To score a goal made it even better. Obviously it was brilliant to score my first for Liverpool and to do it on my home debut was amazing, but the win was more important to get us out of the starting blocks.

'It was great to be part of the home side here for a change. As an opponent the hairs stand up on the back of your neck when the fans at Anfield sing 'You'll Never Walk Alone,' so to hear them singing it for you is very special.

'At a club like Liverpool you don't want to lose any match, so to lose the first game of the season was disappointing.

'But the lads showed great character to put that behind us and hopefully we can go on a good run now.'

Captain Steven Gerrard praised his international team-mate, saying: 'We saw what Glen will offer this team with the run that won the penalty at Spurs.

'He cut inside and left people for dead. He showed similar form against Stoke and was outstanding on the right for us.'

Rafa Benitez's decision to add an attacking full-back to his squad who could make an impact in tough home games where teams defend in depth was vindicated.

'We were looking for a player with quality going forward, to produce more chances from the wide areas.' the Spaniard said.

'We knew Johnson could score goals. From set-pieces he is dangerous, we initially worked with (Javier) Mascherano in that close-in position by the keeper at corners, but decided to change because Johnson was proving to be good in that role.

'His goal was proof of that. He can give us something more on the right, he can play almost as a winger with good distribution when he goes forward.

'And that allows Kuyt to move inside also to support Torres. Last season we had too many home draws, and that cost us.

'I felt that an attacking full-back like Johnson would give us something extra, and his display underlined that view.'

Liverpool Need To Ease The Burden On Torres

Rafael Benitez seems to be pleading poverty over Liverpool’s transfer budget but I don’t want to hear it. It’s not a lack of money that might de-rail the club’s hopes of winning the title, it’s the way the manager has chosen to spend what funds he had at his disposal.

Only £1.5 million left to buy a centre back? Then why splash out £18.5m on Glen Johnson earlier in the summer? Add in the £20m for Alberto Aquilani and Benitez has spent nearly £40m on an injured midfield player and a right back. I find it strange.

Johnson looked good against Stoke City but his defensive shortcomings will be exposed by stronger opponents. My two problems with his signing is that he is overpriced (Portsmouth have had to sell to survive during the summer) and right back should not have been Liverpool’s priority.

It wasn’t a strength but it wasn’t a problem area either. Jamie Carragher can do a decent job there if need be. Alvaro Arbeloa, sold to Real Madrid for £3.5m, is actually a more solid defender than Johnson. Portsmouth must have thought they had Manchester City on the telephone making the offer, not Liverpool.

There’s nothing wrong with buying big as long as you’re buying in the right areas and it is obvious that Liverpool were and are in dire need of an experienced striker to ease the burden on Fernando Torres. Both Andriy Voronin and David Ngog are not the solution. Voronin showed in his first season that he’s the poor man’s Diego Forlan, not good enough for the Barclays Premier League; and Ngog might be a player one day, but he’s not going to help you win the title this year.

The pressure on Torres will be so great that I wonder whether he’ll have as prolific a year as he should. Liverpool will rely on Steven Gerrard to link up with the Spaniard or he’ll become isolated. If Torres isn’t getting involved, the temptation will be for Liverpool to pump the ball long out of desperation but that doesn’t suit his game and defenders will clatter a player who we know is prone to niggling injuries.

Liverpool’s best XI is a very good side but there isn’t the depth in attack that Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal or even Tottenham Hotspur have. If United only had Wayne Rooney up front, how many people would tip them for the title?

Benitez has done great things at Anfield but he does seem to have blind spots. It’s almost as if the failure of Robbie Keane at Liverpool has put him off buying another striker - as if the manager is worried about a second high-priced forward proving a flop. He didn’t give Keane much of a chance to prove himself. Yet it’s so clear that a centre forward to take the heat off Torres is no less vital now than a year ago when Keane joined.

Sir Alex Ferguson didn’t stop signing passing midfield players just because Juan Sebastian Veron was a flop. He decided that was the kind of player he needed, so he went for Michael Carrick, who worked out. That’s a far more logical transfer strategy than the one we’re seeing at Liverpool.

Liverpool On The Verge Of €11.5m Bid For Real Madrid's Rafael van der Vaart

Liverpool are reportedly set to launch a €11.5 million bid to bring in Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur target Rafael van der Vaart to Anfield.

According to a report in Sport, Rafael Benitez is on the verge of offering Real Madrid €11.5m for the highly-rated midfielder, although many reports have claimed that he has little or no money left to spend over the next two weeks.

The Dutchman has been constantly linked to a host of clubs throughout Europe this summer as a second Galactico era rises in the Spanish capital.

The recent comments by the 26-year-old, stating that he would not be joining another Spanish club, led to him being linked with a move to the Premier League, and a chance to play in the Champions League under the Reds' banner may be difficult to pass up.

This suggestion remains in stark contrast to earlier reports from England, which seemed to point towards 'Rafa' having little more than scraps to play with in the transfer market.

Benitez Rubbishes Rumours Of Liverpool Exit

Rafael Benitez pledged his 100 per cent commitment to Liverpool after rumours that he was set to quit Anfield.

Benitez, whose side cruised to a 4-0 victory over Stoke at Anfield, was speaking after pre-match whispers swept Merseyside claiming that the Spaniard was ready to quit over lack of transfer funds given to him by the club's American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

"I am 100 per cent committed to the club," Benitez said. "I was told about the rumours before the game. Maybe it's something that can happen here. But I am staying here for the fans, the staff and the players."

After watching his side coast to their first victory of the campaign, Benitez also said he was on the brink of signing Greek defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos from AEK Athens for two million pounds.

The former Rangers player is due to undergo a medical in the next 24 hours with a view to joining the club ahead of next Monday's home game with Aston Villa.

"We've nearly done a deal," added Benitez.

The arrival of Kyrgiakos will ease a defensive crisis which robbed Benitez of Daniel Agger (back) and Martin Skrtel (jaw) because of injury.

Benitez gave 18-year-old Daniel Ayala his senior debut alongside Jamie Carragher at the heart of the defence against Stoke.

Yet the 6ft 3in Spanish teenager, a former Seville youth player, did not let his side down as he produced a mature performance which encouraged his manager.

"Daniel was a bit nervous to start with but in the end he had a very good game," said Benitez.

"We will see what happens with him but he has got to keep working."

Liverpool's first win of the season was inspired by Fernando Torres. Having been slated for his sluggish performance three days earlier during a 2-1 defeat at Tottenham, the Spain forward scored one and made another as Benitez's side made easy work of sweeping aside Stoke.

Liverpool failed to score against Stoke in 180 minutes of Premier League action last season but once Torres opened the scoring in the fourth minute, it was straight forward for last season's runners-up.

Glen Johnson, an 18 million pounds signing from Portsmouth, marked his home debut by doubling the lead before half time before late goals by Dirk Kuyt and substitute David Ngog sealed an emphatic victory.

Benitez was particularly pleased for Johnson.

"I was looking for a player with quality going forward. That's why I signed him," he said.

"He created a lot of chances and was a threat in attack.

"I was also pleased with Lucas Leiva, he has taken a lot of unfair criticism from the pundits which is not fair. He is a fine professional and a very good player, our best in pre-season."

Liverpool Recruit Sotiris Kyrgiakos Reveals Reasoning Behind AEK Athens Exit

Rafael Benitez's steady recruitment policy, that has already seen him bring in the high-profile coups of in-demand full back.

Glen Johnson and Xabi Alonso's replacement Alberto Aquilani, continued with AEK Athens star Sotiris Kyrgiakos, and the Greek international explained the switch to his fans on his official website.

"Last week I said I was an AEK player for the next four years and meant that.

"But then I received the biggest challenge of my career.

"I fully understand it came at the worst possible moment for the team, but the fact that I had the chance to play for Liverpool is a huge challenge."

The centre-back will rival Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel for a first team spot.

Liverpool have also been linked with a move for Stoke City's burgeoning talent Ryan Shawcross.