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Liverpool experience the key for Brendan Rodgers

Liverpool's James Milner in action against Stoke
Image: James Milner has been a key addition for Liverpool this summer

Brendan Rodgers believes the fact he has signed players with Premier League experience this summer has had a big impact on his Liverpool side's start.

Rodgers believes this summer's recruitment programme has given his side a hunger which they lost last season.

Liverpool have spent more than £80m on Christian Benteke, Roberto Firmino, James Milner, Nathaniel Clyne, Danny Ings, Joe Gomez and Adam Bogdan.

Striker Divock Origi, a £10m buy from Lille last summer, has also come in after a loan spell back at the French club.

Seven players were also introduced to the squad 12 months ago with unconvincing results and Rickie Lambert (sold to West Brom), Mario Balotelli (on loan at AC Milan) and Lazar Markovic (loaned to Fenerbahce) are no longer available to Rodgers and of the remainder only Emre Can, Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren have started a match this season.

By contrast four of this summer's arrivals - Milner, Clyne and Gomez and Benteke - have played every minute of the campaign so far.

"Nathaniel Clyne has been playing in teams at competition level since he was 17 and he has experience of the Premier League," he added ahead of the visit of West Ham.

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"He is coming in with that experience, Christian Benteke has been here (in England) three years and understands the Premier League.

"These are guys who are coming in with a real good pedigree and experience and a certain mentality.

"You need it at this level. The talent alone is not enough. You need to have character.

"The expectancy here is huge. Whether you play good, bad or indifferent you will be in the headlines and for new players especially that can be difficult early on.

"This season it was about really focusing in on our goals and ensuring the talent we have is matched by the character."

Liverpool's Christian Benteke gives a thumbs-up during the against Bournemouth.
Image: Liverpool's Christian Benteke gives a thumbs-up during the win against Bournemouth

The recruitment of Milner, Rodgers feels, has been especially important in terms of the influence the player has had on the Anfield dressing room.

The regard in which the England international is held was evident as he was immediately installed as Jordan Henderson's deputy for captaincy duties and led the side in the midfielder's injury-enforced absence in Monday's goalless draw at Arsenal.

Milner won two Premier League titles with City but opted for a new challenge at Anfield and has brought that winning mentality with him.

"James Milner has been absolutely exceptional," said Rodgers.

"You know he is a good player but you don't realise how good he is until he comes into your club.

"He is a proper man how tough he is but he is an outstanding footballer and he has added massively to the squad in terms of mentality.

"He is a winner and his work with the players has been outstanding on and off the field."

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