'Lambert gives Reds a different option'
Former Liverpool manager Roy Evans believes the addition of striker Rickie Lambert provides Brendan Rodgers with an important alternative option for a hectic 2014-15 season.
The Scouser became the Reds' first summer signing back in June, when the England international joined the club he has supported since childhood from Southampton.
Rodgers continued the renovation of his squad in preparation for Champions League football by recruiting fellow Saint Adam Lallana and German midfielder Emre Can earlier this month.
On the capture of Lambert, Evans highlighted how the 32-year-old could prove crucial when opposition teams come to Anfield with the intent of stifling Liverpool's abundant attacking threat.
"I think Lambert will be a very good addition to the squad - he's a great pro," Evans told Liverpoolfc.com. "I also think he will be very useful for us in the coming season.
"When teams come to Anfield this season to 'park the bus', which they are quite entitled to do, Lambert will give us another option to break them down.
"I'm not saying we should start going long and pumping balls forward, but if you can get down the flanks and get quality balls into the box then Rickie is the type of guy who can put the ball in the back of the net for you.
"He is good in the air, good in and around the box and he's a player that takes his chances when they come.
"I just feel he gives us good options and obviously with us being back in the Champions League - and hopefully we will be back there for quite a while - you need a bigger squad."
Reflecting on the Reds' three pieces of business to date, Evans added: "I think it's most important for the manager to know who your targets are and where you want to go and Brendan has been very active so far.
"He hasn't got all that he wants in yet and I'm sure there will be more additions to the squad, but he has made a good start and he will be quite happy with that.
"When you buy players you never quite know until you get them into your own little camp how they are going to gel with your own players, but I think Lallana is a talented player.
"He is great on the ball and he can form good partnerships with the full-backs. It's a good signing because he's a young player with more improvement to come."