Rafa banks on Maxi goals

Rafa Benitez believes Maxi Rodriguez can help Liverpool return to the free-scoring form of last season.

The Reds have at times struggled to kill teams off this term despite topping the Barclays Premier League scoring charts in 2008-09.

Rodriguez is no stranger to firing in front of the Kop having rifled home Atletico Madrid's goal in a 1-1 Champions League draw in November 2008.

And with his three top goalscorers currently injured, Benitez is hoping the new boy can make a habit of finding the net at Anfield.

"We were looking for someone to give us a lift and that's why we went for Maxi," said the gaffer.

"He knows Javier Mascherano and Fernando Torres and the big positive from that point was they have a very good opinion of him. He is a player who knows about the game.

"He also uses the ball well and can finish - he has scored a lot of goals in his career, has a very good record and now we want him to do the same for us.

"Normally if you can keep the ball, he will be there. He likes to get into the box and has a record of up to 15 goals every year.

"We have had some players playing too many games and we needed to give these players a rest. If we can choose Maxi, then give someone a rest, it will be really good for the team."