Liverpool defender Kolo Toure believes that the addition of Christian Benteke will make the Reds title contenders next season.
The Belgium international is set to complete his £32.5m move from Aston Villa on Wednesday, making him the club’s second most expensive player ever.
The arrival of the 24-year-old will make him the Reds’ seventh first-team signing the summer and the Ivory Coast centre-back is excited by the deal.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Toure said: “Benteke is a great player.
“It’s much better to have him on my side than have to play against him.
“He’s so strong and powerful – we all know about his qualities.
“He’s a goalscorer but his mental strength is very important.”
Toure has played in the Premier League since 2002 having previously represented Arsenal and Manchester City before arriving at Anfield in 2013, and says Benteke won’t disappoint:
“I’ve played against some good strikers who are mentally weak.
“Benteke isn’t weak, he stands up for himself. No matter what happens on the pitch, he will perform.
“The club has done some unbelievable business this summer and it’s going to be a big season for us.
“I see so much talent in this squad. So much will be played in the mind.
“If we are strong mentally then I don’t think anyone can beat us with the team the manager has built.”
The signing of Benteke will allow Rickie Lambert to leave the club with a host of Premier League clubs interested in his services.
Toure and the rest of the Liverpool squad will be in action on Friday against a Malaysia XI as they complete their pre-season tour of the Far East and Australia.
