A lot has been written about Albert Rieira since he joined Liverpool in the final hours of the transfer window but most of it was based on his time at Manchester City which, given that it was a bit back and a totally different situation, doesn't really amount to much.

So instead we've asked someone who has seen him play fairly regularly in recent years, a guy (I think) who goes by the pseudonym of Striker and who writes Spanish Football Sports, one of the best blogs about Spanish football around.

Encouraginly, he's got quite positive things to say.

"Albert Riera is an excellent 27 year old midfielder that will give Liverpool plenty of happy afternoons. He is an attacking midfielder with a tremendous shot that gives the side another weapon in its arsenal.

He already has English Football experience - 2006 with Man City (on loan) - and this will help his adaptation to Liverpool and the English life. His Spanish teammates and coach at Liverpool will also quickly speed up his incorporation & keep the mind on the job at hand.

Riera had a wonderful season with Espanyol last season, so much so, that he was called up to the National Team on various occasions (5 caps), even scoring goals in vital qualifying Group ties (Denmark for example)

In a nutshell, good signing for Liverpool. Albert Riera will find English Football to his liking as he will have space to appear all of the sudden in the goal square or space to shot from long distance.