Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has heaped praise on the team that accounted for Stoke City 4-0 on Wednesday night.

The Spaniard brought in young defenders Emiliano Insua and Daniel Ayala to the team that lost to Tottenham on opening weekend and was delighted that the team managed to keep a clean sheet.

"I feel really pleased because we have a clean sheet," Benitez told Sky Sports.

"We knew it was important to score the early goal and then change the game so we continue with the same game plan and the second goal was really important because they needed to go forward."

Benitez also praised summer signing Glen Johnson, who netted the third goal, saying he was just the player the Reds needed.

"We wanted a player with quality who could score and create goals," he added.

"He attacks very well and had a fine game. Against teams who defend deep against us, he can change games."