Rafael Benitez believes his new-look Liverpool is better prepared to battle for the Premiership title than at any time since he arrived at the club two years ago.

The Reds chief has lavished around 34million on his squad this year alone. With the signing of Dirk Kuyt now completed, there is a genuine buzz around Anfield as they embark on the new campaign, starting at Sheffield United on Saturday lunchtime.

Benitez said: "We have more options, better players and a better squad than at any time since I arrived. We are improving, we are a better team now. We have more choice. In Cardiff against Chelsea last weekend we had Sami Hyypia, Craig Bellamy, Xabi Alonso and Steven Gerrard all on the bench."