Rodgers: New boys could be involved
Brendan Rodgers has suggested that Liverpool's three new signings could be involved when the Reds face Swansea City on Monday night – but insisted that work ethic, not price tags, will influence team selection.
The manager strengthened his squad with a triple swoop on transfer deadline day, bringing in Tiago Ilori and Mamadou Sakho on permanent deals plus Chelsea forward Victor Moses on a season-long loan.
Having kicked off the Barclays Premier League season with a 100 per cent record, however, the Northern Irishman is not in a rush to introduce his latest batch of recruits.
"I'm sure there will be a part to play for some of them," the boss explained at his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon.
"They have been brought in for the longer term. Victor is on a season-long loan and I've brought him in to be a big part of what we're doing, as with the other two boys.
"We've made a strong start, there's a lot of confidence and belief in the group. These players will come in and add to that, and provide great competition.
"We'll see, I'm analysing and assessing the players for the first day since they all came back from international duty. They looked very good this morning and we'll see where we're at.
"The guys will be involved and you will find out an hour before kick-off on Monday night.
"You judge the player on what he is giving you every single day. That's why I think it was unfair on the likes of Jordan Henderson.
"Jordan didn't set the price tag on his head - he came in for a lot of money as a young player. He's shown over time and with confidence that you can be a very good player.
"For me it doesn't matter whether it was £1, a free transfer or £50million. You want good players with strong mentalities, players that are willing to be brave on the ball and want to win games - irrespective of the price."
Rodgers' eighth and final signing of a productive summer transfer window was the loan move for Nigerian international Moses, who the manager first encountered at a young age.
The 40-year-old was questioned by reporters at Melwood on what prompted his interest in the Chelsea man and where the attacker is likely to fit into the set-up at Anfield.
He said: "In terms of this summer, it was probably unexpected for him. He's a player that has got experience - he's 24 years of age and became available for us.
"It's a unique opportunity for him; he's leaving a very good club, that has been successful, and he's coming to one of the biggest clubs in the world.
"There are not many players that get a chance to do that. He's coming here to prove himself.
"I know he will work well because he's a good guy; I met him when he was 16 and nearly signed him at Chelsea then. He came to us to train while he was a young player at Crystal Palace.
"Everything was set up for him to come to Chelsea at the time and for whatever reason it fell through and he stayed. It probably ended up as the right thing for him, he stayed at Palace, got in the first team, got his move and eventually went there.
"I knew him from that period when I was there as a youth coach. I know what I'm getting. He's got the profile that suits our game in terms of his technique, his quality and he's a humble guy.
"He had some good performances for Nigeria when he was away. He's really looking forward to getting on a Liverpool shirt.
"Like a lot of our attacking players, they are flexible, have good tactical intelligence and are comfortable to play in two or three positions.
"When he was a young player, he was the No.9 so he can play in the central striking role or can move. In any one of those top four positions, he's comfortable.
"We've seen him a lot playing from the left side, where he cuts in - he's got great feet, great ability, can shoot off either foot and can beat a man, which is important for us."
Rodgers has now navigated three transfer windows since being appointed as Liverpool manager in June 2012, and he believes the options at his disposal have improved on each occasion.
"We have to be vigilant and always look to improve. There are areas where we still need to make improvements," the boss added.
"Tottenham have spent over £100million to try to improve the squad, to try to get in the top four. If they're spending that money to try to get in there, then we've obviously got a lot of improvements to make as well.
"You can only do so much in one or two windows. As each window goes on, we're getting stronger and stronger. It will probably take another few windows to get that real quality and depth into the group.
"Thus far I'm pleased with how the group is progressing - we just need to keep our focus and keep working well."