Arjen Robben believes that Liverpool's capture of Joe Cole has made their front line the most formidable in Europe.
The England international, 28, completed his switch to Anfield earlier this week after his Chelsea contract expired and agreed a four-year deal worth £90,000-a-week as part of Roy Hodgson's plans to bolster his ranks ahead of the new season.
Despite a muted campaign last year Robben, 30, who was an integral part of the Holland side that finished reached this summer's World Cup final, is adamant that very few clubs can now rival the Reds' attack with Cole, Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, including Barcelona.
He said: “With a front three of Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Cole I think Liverpool will be a real force in the Premier League.
“Last year was a freak year [for Liverpool], but if those three click I can see them seriously challenging for the title.
“You look at those as a front three and you struggle to find a better front three in Europe – and I include Barcelona’s in that."
Bayern Munich winger Robben played alongside Cole during his three-year spell at Stamford Bridge and believes that his former team mate has the opportunity at his new club to reach his full potential and that the Blues will regret allowing him to leave West London.
"I read Gerrard’s words about Joe being as good as Messi on the ball and I couldn’t agree more," he added.
"After training with him for so long I can tell you some of the things he can do with a football are as good as anything I have ever seen.
"If Joe is now played in a more central position he will score and create a lot of goals, I see him as a real runner for player of the season.
"He is not just about tricks though, his vision is fantastic. The chances he will create for Torres will help Liverpool to have a trophy-winning season."
“I think it was a big mistake of Chelsea’s letting Joe go, and I am sure the fans feel the same way. At 28 even with his injuries Joe must still be a £15million player in the current market.
“I am sure Chelsea didn’t want to sell him, he has already come out and said there are political reasons behind the move and I am sure we will hear more on that when he is ready.
“He loved London, he loved the Chelsea fans, and he loved the club so something must have really upset him for him to reject Chelsea’s offer.
“I know Joe and the decision would have definitely been a footballing one and not a money one."
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Ashok, India around 1 year, 6 months ago