The Reds manager describes the former Celta Vigo striker as a “fierce competitor” and says that he will fit in perfectly with what he is trying to achieve at Anfield

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says that he signed Iago Aspas because he displayed a winning mentality during his time at Celta.

The Reds boss wants to marry technical quality with mental strength going into the new season and observed that the Spaniard became an attractive proposition this summer because he is a fierce competitor on the pitch.

“When we sat down last year we felt we needed to bring more of that mentality into the group – players with quality but also players with a winning mentality,” Rodgers told the club’s official website.

“Iago is a real competitor but he’s also got quality as well. We’re really looking forward to seeing him in action.”

Aspas is joined at Anfield by fellow Spaniard Luis Alberto, whom the former Swansea City manager sees as one for the future.

“He’s one who, over the next period of time, we’ll see is an outstanding player. He fits what we’re trying to do really well,” the Northern Irishman continued.

“He’s a very young player but he’s played competitive games and the philosophy won’t be anything new to him.

“He understands the game very well. He’s got the right profile of what we want and he’s another player who can score goals. I’m very much looking forward to working with him and seeing how he develops in the squad.”