Benitez hoping new talent will end Liverpool's 18-year title wait

Despite reaching the Champions League final for the second time in three years - going down 2-1 to AC Milan - last season was a major disappointment for Liverpool, who finished without a trophy for the first time since Benitez arrived in 2004.

 But with new American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr. providing the financial clout Benitez needs to compete with main Premier League rivals Manchester United and Chelsea, the Liverpool boss has been able to bring in 16 new faces.

 Spain striker Fernando Torres is by far the most expensive addition, moving from Primera Liga side Atletico Madrid to Merseyside for a club-record 20.3 million pounds.

 In the five seasons he was first choice at Atletico, Torres averaged over 15 goals per term, exactly the type of player a Liverpool team that managed just 56 goals last season needs.

 Torres will partner either England striker Peter Crouch or Dutchman Dirk Kuyt up front, with Andriy Voronin, who comes on a free transfer from Bayer Leverkusen, providing further backup.

 Benitez also splashed out 11.5 million pounds in securing the services of 20-year-old winger Ryan Babel from Ajax while Israel midfielder Yossi Benayoun cost another 5 million from West Ham.

  "What's important is all four strikers have different qualities," Crouch said.

 "I think it will be crucial how the strikers combine but we've certainly got a mixture of pace and aerial ability with the new players. And that is obviously good for the club."

   The question now is whether Benitez's new signings can succeed where Milan Baros, Robbie Fowler, Fernando Morientes, Djibril Cisse and Craig Bellamy all failed in recent seasons.

 Their first test comes when the Reds visit Aston Villa for the season opener on August 11.

DPA