Source: Liverpool_Echo
Rafa Benitez believes Sotirios Kyrgiakos will be a big hit at Anfield: Liverpool FC latest
RAFA BENITEZ believes new signing Sotirios Kyrgiakos will prove to be a big hit at Anfield.
The 30-year-old Greek international sealed his £1.5million move from AEK Athens yesterday after passing a medical at Melwood.
Kyrgiakos has signed a two-year deal with the option of a further year.
With Daniel Agger requiring back surgery and Martin Skrtel hampered by a cracked jaw, the centre-back could have a key role to play in the Reds' title challenge and Benitez insists he is up to the task.
"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," Benitez said.
"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.
"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. He knows what we want and he's ready to work."
Benitez believes youngsters like Martin Kelly and Daniel Ayala will benefit from training with the combative 6ft 4ins defender.
"I was talking with Ayala about this," Benitez said.
"When the young players see someone with experience it is positive because they can learn from them.
