Rijkaard has so far avoided commenting on how he feels about the club's recent arrivals, but that changed yesterday as he declared: "Eric Abidal is fast, defends without fuss and can play in attack when he is placed further forward. In addition he is physically very strong, this is why he is with us and he will contribute a lot.

"Gabi Milito is an excellent defender. He is ready. He knows when to play the ball from the back at the right moment. This is a great additional option in our offensive tasks. Another great reinforcement.

"Yaya Toure is an excellent defensive midfielder. We have left Henry. Thierry speaks for himself as the great player that he is. He is getting better and better and is approaching more and more his old level.

"Aside from this, I believe that Giovani (Dos Santos) and Bojan (Krkic) can be excellent for us."