Rafa Benitez has spoken of his delight in capturing the signature of Greek defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos.
Reds boss believes Kyrgiakos will bring many positives to club
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has spoken of his delight in capturing the signature of Greece defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos.
The 30-year-old switched from AEK Athens on Friday and has signed a two-year contract with the Reds.
The experienced international goes straight into the squad to face Aston Villa at Anfield on Monday.
His signing bolsters a defence currently lacking Danish centre-back Daniel Agger, who is set to undergo back surgery on Tuesday and could be out for six weeks, while Martin Skrtel is still struggling with a damaged jaw and is not expected to be fit to face Villa.
Tough defender
Benitez told Liverpool's
official website: "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's 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've talked about the things he's done before and the things he'll have to do for us. It was good. He knows what we want and he's ready to work."
Experienced
Benitez believes the experienced Kyrgiakos can also help bring on the young defenders at the club, such as Martin Kelly and Daniel Ayala.
The Reds boss added: "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."
