Liverpool chief Damien Comolli has no doubts Sebastian Coates is well suited to the Premier League.
The Uruguay defender arrives from Nacional Montevideo.
Comolli told liverpoolfc.tv: "His qualities are perfect for the Premier League because here you can face more direct teams where you have to head the ball several times during the game and make sure your presence is being felt on set pieces and throw-ins. He also has the ability to play against big players, he's not afraid to be isolated one on one and defend properly.
"We think he is the complete package. He is only 20 so there is a lot of time for improvement, and playing alongside Martin, Jamie or Daniel will help him improve fantastically, I'm sure, and training on a daily basis against Suarez or Andy will be a new challenge for him but we know already he will bring a big contribution to the team and to the squad.
"I have said several times during the summer that we don't buy a young player for the next six months or the next year, it's a long term commitment where we commit to him and he commits to us. We know he will be an even better player in two or three years time."
