Simon: Why I'm so glad Benteke is here
As the news broke that Christian Benteke had completed a move to Liverpool yesterday, Simon Mignolet was delighted for a variety of different reasons.
The prolific Belgium international striker became the club's seventh summer signing after sealing the formalities of a switch from Aston Villa.
He arrives at Anfield with a formidable Barclays Premier League record, having plundered 42 goals during the past three top-flight seasons.
Benteke has had a penchant for firing past the Reds too - in six appearances against Brendan Rodgers' side, he found the target five times.
So Mignolet is glad to not only have the forward's talent in the squad and a fellow Belgian too, but to be spared more direct contests with his compatriot.
The goalkeeper told Liverpoolfc.com: "I'm very pleased that he's signed. We all know that he's a very good player and it's another Belgian joining LFC.
"I think I've been a good example! I was the first one and now we're three; if we all play [in the same XI] it means Liverpool is one-quarter Belgian.
"I'm very happy. The Belgian connection is there now and it will be nice for the people in Belgium to follow LFC.
"They've done that before but it will only make it better and I'm sure there'll be a lot of Belgian fans coming to Anfield next season. I'm looking forward to that.
"We had some good duels against each other with Aston Villa. I won't be challenging him anymore, like I did last season, so that's nice!
"He will work hard in training. He's got the physical presence, the ability to hold the ball up front and play with his back to goal.
"He will make sure that all the other players we've got connect with him, and when he keeps that ball make sure that we can be dangerous on the counter-attack."
Benteke further strengthens the attacking options available to the manager and continues the squad building undertaken throughout the summer.
The additions are all for the better, according to Mignolet, who explained why a balanced, driven group is critical to deal with the demands ahead.
"We've done a lot of business already before the season starts, and everybody knows each other from the tour and pre-season," he said.
"That's only for the better. We've got loads of players to pick from and that will be good for the competition throughout the squad. You need that throughout the season.
"The season is very long and with a few injuries and suspensions, there will always be other players needed to play. When you have a broad squad it's always positive."
Watch Christian Benteke at Anfield in style next season with our hospitality packages. Click here for more information.