Roy Hodgson says he has a ready-made replacement for Javier Mascherano in Raul Merieles and insists he's happy with his transfer deals.
Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina said he was concerned at Mascherano's exit to Barcelona during the transfer window and hinted the club still needed to replace the Argentina skipper.
However, Hodgson, who has brought in midfield duo Christian Poulsen and Portugal international Merieles, has declared himself satisfied with the squad he has assembled and has tipped the latter to be a big hit on Merseyside.
"It was important to sign a quality midfielder when we lost Javier," said Hodgson. "We had half prepared for his departure by jumping in to sign Christian Poulsen when he became available, but it was important for us to keep strong in that area.
"We loaned out Alberto Aquilani and so we are pleased to have been able to bring in Meireles.
"He is experienced in the Champions League, in international football and has had proven success at Porto.
"He is an all-round midfielder who is capable of playing in all three of the central midfield positions.
"He has a pedigree which we researched, followed and studied.
"I followed him at my previous club so it was good when I heard he could be available and that we could do the business quickly."
The Liverpool boss added on the club's website: "He has played a lot of international football so settling into the English game won't be a major problem.
"Our public are sensible people and they realise that having played all of his career in Portugal, it may take a bit of time.
"We have that time. He will adjust, but whether it's from the first moment we'll have to wait and see."