Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson is delighted with their capture of former Porto midfielder Raul Meireles and Christian Poulsen from Juventus.
Having lost Javier Mascherano to Barcelona and allowing Alberto Aquilani to join Juventus on loan, the Liverpool manager admits it was important to strengthen in midfield.
Hodgson was therefore delighted to land versatile Portugal international Raul Meireles, who will bolster this area along with fellow new recruit Christian Poulsen.
Meireles has never played club football outside his homeland before but Hodgson is confident he will be successful in the Premier League once he adjusts to his new surroundings.
"It was important to sign a quality midfielder when we lost Javier," Hodgson told the club's official website.
"We had half prepared for his departure by jumping in to sign Christian Poulsen when he became available, but it was important for us to keep strong in that area.
"We loaned out Alberto Aquilani and so we are pleased to have been able to bring in Meireles. He is experienced in the Champions League, in international football and has had proven success at Porto.
"He is an all-round midfielder who is capable of playing in all three of the central midfield positions.
"He has a pedigree which we researched, followed and studied. I followed him at my previous club so it was good when I heard he could be available and that we could do the business quickly.
"He has played a lot of international football so settling into the English game won't be a major problem.
"Our public are sensible people and they realise that having played all of his career in Portugal, it may take a bit of time.
"He will adjust, but whether it's from the first moment we'll have to wait and see."
