Craig Bellamy - Bellamy to be King of the Kop?

Rafa Benitez has made some inspired decisions during his tenure with Liverpool, and he has achieved so much in such little time. But, the Anfield boss has had very little luck in the striker department thus far, despite Peter Crouch eventually coming good last season.

This, however, could be about to change. The Spaniard captured Craig Bellamy for £6million from Blackburn and, in doing so, has landed a player that will give the Reds that combination of clinical finishing and pace, which they have lacked since Michael Owen's departure.

Unsurprisingly, in the Liverpool top goalscorer market formed by VCBet, the Welshman is the clear 6/4 favourite to be Pool's top marksmen during the forthcoming season, ahead of Gerrard at 3/1, while Crouch and Fowler are both offered at 9/2.

Liverpool's talismanic midfielder Steven Gerrard has gone on record as saying "It's a nightmare playing against Craig Bellamy, he has fantastic ability and I am just glad he's on our side now and not against us" and his presence will no doubt ease some of the pressure there has been on the midfield to produce the end product.

Indeed, Benitez's charges enjoyed an excellent campaign in 2005/2006, and defensively few clubs boasted better records. But, Liverpool's tally of 57 goals in their 38 Premiership games - an average of 1.5 goals per game - underlines the fact that they lacked the firepower of the other three clubs which form the dominant quartet of English football at present.

Reigning champions Chelsea scored 72 times last season, a figure matched by Man Utd 72, while Arsenal weren't far behind with a haul of 68 goals. Bellamy could redress this balance.

The 27-year-old netted an impressive 17 goals in 26 appearances for Blackburn last season. Considering that he will be playing in an all round better side, with far more creative flair, Bellamy could prove to be an invaluable acquisition as the Anfield outfit set out to loosen Chelsea's grip on the Premiership.