Rafael Benitez has hailed the return to fitness of Djimi Traore and described him as 'like a new signing'.
Up until last week's fixture at Tottenham Benitez had been without the services of Traore since the summer when the French defender suffered a thigh injury.
But after recovering well Traore has figured in Liverpool's last three matches and the boss is delighted to have him back.
"It's important for us to have Djimi back because we always need to have at least two players competing for each position," Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv.
"We have Djimi, Warnock and Riise now competing for the left-back slot and this can only be good for the team.
"Having him back is like having a new signing in the squad. He gives us another option and increases the competition for places.
"It was unfortunate for him to pick up the injury when he did because he'd enjoyed a very good pre-season. I've been pleased with his performances since coming back and his attitude has been spot on. It always is, whether in training or in games.
"It was the same last season. He suffered the disappointment of scoring an own goal at Burnley in the FA Cup but didn't let the criticism affect him and bounced back positively. He is a key member of our squad."
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