Rafa's delight at Maxi deal

Rafael Benitez is confident new signing Maxi Rodriguez has all the necessary attributes to become a success in the Barclays Premier League.

The 29-year-old became Liverpool's first acquisition of the January transfer window when he put pen to paper on a three-and-a-half year deal at Anfield on Wednesday. 

And Benitez believes the former Atletico Madrid ace will prove to be a fine addition to his Reds squad. 

"We were looking for players with character and a good mentality," the boss told Liverpoolfc.tv. "He has played for Argentina and Atletico Madrid and is a player with personality. 

"He can play in three positions - on the right, left or as a second striker - and is someone with a very positive mentality, which is what we are looking for. 

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"He is comfortable on the ball, can pass and keep possession. He is good at getting into the box and scoring goals and a good finisher. Every year he gets five to 15 goals from the right side of midfield. 

"I know he was not doing as well as he did in the past at Atletico Madrid, but he is doing really well with Argentina and wants to impress for the World Cup." 

Rodriguez has been greeted by a couple of familiar faces at Melwood in the form of Argentina captain Javier Mascherano and Fernando Torres, whom he played alongside for two seasons at Atletico before El Nino moved to Anfield.

Benitez feels the duo will help their new teammate adapt to the demands of Barclays Premier League football, and reckons the pair will in turn be lifted by the deal. 

"He knows Mascherano and Torres and he can provide a lift for some players," said the Spaniard.

"I think he will adapt to English football because he is a clever player and takes up good positions on the pitch.

"It is a question of adjusting to the pace of the game and he will need some time, but with these players around it will be easier for him."

The arrival of Rodriguez significantly bolsters Benitez's options in the wide-areas - and the manager is adamant this will be beneficial to Liverpool's form over the second half of the campaign.

"Rodriguez will be a different kind of player for us and also competition for Kuyt on the right side, along with Nabil El Zhar and Yossi Benayoun," he said.

"He will give us the opportunity to manage some of the other players and rest them if necessary to keep the level of the team."

Benitez added: "I have been talking with him and he is really pleased and ready to come here. I have told him what we are expecting from him and he is ready for the challenge."