KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia -- Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson says the signing of Christian Benteke is "fantastic news" that will take the club closer to their targets of winning silverware and securing a top four finish in the coming season.
Henderson, speaking at Liverpool's open training session in Kuala Lumpur ahead of Friday night's match against the Malaysia XI, said he was excited about playing with the Belgium international whose £32.5 million move from Aston Villa was finalised on Wednesday.
"It's absolutely fantastic news," Henderson told ESPN FC. "He's a good presence and a good man to have in your team. He's good technically as well and scores a lot of goals so hopefully he will be a big player for us this season."
James Milner, another of Liverpool's England international midfielders who joined the club last month from Manchester City, said that he was relieved to finally be playing alongside the 24-year-old forward instead of facing up to him on the pitch.
"It's never nice to play against him with his physical presence," Milner said. "He's got pace and he can finish with his head or his feet. It's not easy to score goals in the Premier League and he's done that consistently."
Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana added that he was eagerly anticipating how Benteke would combine with him and the other attackers at the club.
"He's a big presence and I'm sure he'll want a lot of crosses in the box," Lallana said. "Hopefully he can hold the ball up for the likes of myself, [Roberto] Firmino and [Philippe] Coutinho and get the balls in good areas. The statement of intent is there... he's a great signing."
Open training has begun here at the Bukit Jalil stadium in Kuala Lumpur ahead of Friday's match against Malaysia XI. pic.twitter.com/2AD2EEAM3Z
- Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 23, 2015
After a disappointing sixth-place finish in the Premier League during a trophyless campaign last season, Henderson said that Liverpool had significantly bolstered their squad, despite the departure of winger Raheem Sterling to Manchester City.
"It's been a very good summer with lots of good signings," Henderson said. "We've got a lot of things that we want to achieve. We want to win as many trophies as we can and obviously get back in the top four. That's what we aim to do."
Liverpool will fly home after Friday night's game against the Malaysia XI, which is the fourth and final match of their Asian and Australian tour.
Benteke is expected to make his Liverpool debut against Finnish side HJK Helsinki on Aug. 1, which is their last preseason game ahead of their Premier League opener at Stoke City on Aug. 8.