Fowler: Why Kolo move is magnificent
The expected capture of defender Kolo Toure represents an 'absolutely magnificent' piece of business for Liverpool according to former Reds goal-getter Robbie Fowler.
Liverpool announced last month that a deal has been agreed in principle to bring the Ivorian, who has played in the Barclays Premier League for Arsenal and Manchester City, to Anfield.
Fowler locked horns with the centre-back on several occasions during his career and believes his experience and defensive know-how can strengthen a backline shorn of the retired Jamie Carragher.
"I've played against him numerous times and he is a fantastic player," Fowler, who scored 183 goals during two spells with the club, told Liverpoolfc.com.
"I'm sure coming to a new club will spur him on that little bit more and he will want to do well. He will want to play. I think he will try hard in training and a little bit of pride will set in.
"You look at his performances over the years for Arsenal and Manchester City - he has been magnificent in the Premier League. Let's hope that he comes to Liverpool and carries on that magnificent form.
"He's been a fantastic player. His experience will be vital for Liverpool, especially after losing Carra. Carra was unbelievable for Liverpool and, if anything, he was probably Liverpool's best defender last year. He will be a big miss.
"I don't know if Kolo Toure will play all of the games, but Liverpool as a team and a squad certainly needed a lot more numbers. Brendan is doing that right now. Toure has been there and worn the T-shirt in the Premier League so I think his signing is absolutely magnificent."
Rodgers followed the move for Toure by quickly setting up a second summer transfer, with Spanish forward Iago Aspas also in line to complete a switch to Merseyside from Celta Vigo.
Fowler hopes the pair can achieve a similar impact for the Reds as the January purchases Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge, and has appreciated the progress made under the Northern Irishman.
He added: "I don't really know too much but I'm sure the manager has done plenty of homework. If they are anything like the signings we made in January then we could be onto a winner.
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"Two great signings in January totally galvanised the club and probably took us to another level. Hopefully these players that have come in, and hopefully there will be a few more, will raise the bar.
"I'm happy with everything Brendan is doing, I think he has been great for the club. In terms of progression, we got more points last year than the year before and we scored more goals than the year before.
"Obviously we conceded two or three more goals, but I'm totally optimistic - as long as we keep progressing and going the right way."