Kromkamp already a Liverpool favourite

DUTCH star Jan Kromkamp already feels at home at Liverpool, having helped inflict defeat on two of the club's main rivals.

The 25-year-old signed from Villarreal in a swap deal which took Josemi back to La Liga - could hardly have arrived at the European champions with more impressive credentials.

So far this season he has already had a hand in seeing Everton and Manchester United knocked out of the Champions League - instantly endearing him to the Kop faithful.

More importantly for manager Rafael Benitez, who could give the full-back his debut in the FA Cup third round at Luton tomorrow, the arrival of Kromkamp adds another quality player to the squad. There will be more new players, with Benitez dismissing suggestions he is unhappy with the financial backing he is receiving at Anfield.

"Always you want more money but I am more than happy with the support from the board, chairman and chief executive," he said.

Kromkamp, who is expected to be in the Holland squad for the World Cup, immediately understands his instant hero status with Liverpool fans.

"I know about the big rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United and everyone is telling me how glad they are I am here because I helped knock them out of the Champions League," he said.

"And Everton as well earlier in the competition. They say I will be okay for Liverpool now because of that"

He certainly fits the bill for Benitez, who wants competition for all positions as Liverpool attempt to build on last season's Champions League glory.

"It is good business for us to have a player of good experience, one who is in the Dutch team," the manager added.

"Sometimes you discover the value of a player when he is not there but also when there is competition. Last season that worked when we had Mauricio Pellegrino arriving to put pressure on Sami Hyypia - the players improve because of the challenge.

"Steve Finnan has been a regular for us at right-back but it will do no harm to give him competition, two players fighting for the same position. We have always felt we needed more players, with energy and ability, and signing Jan was a good opportunity."

Kromkamp, who had just six months with Villarreal after his summer move from Alkmaar in Holland, is relishing the challenge.

"I know that I cannot play in the Champions League any more this season but when a club like Liverpool comes along then the choice is not hard to make," he said.

"I moved to Villarreal in August and I didn't have a chance to spend a month beforehand learning the language but the language problem wasn't the main reason that I left, the reason was that I could play for Liverpool.

"I aim to make a big contribution to the team, it has always been my ambition to play in England.

"The league here is excellent, full stadiums and an exciting style of playing."