Liverpool have completed the signing of left winger Albert Riera from Espanyol.
Riera, 26, has signed a four-year contract with the Anfield club and is believed to have signed for about £8m.
The Spaniard, who was also wanted by Everton, had a short spell on loan with Manchester City in 2006 and has also played for Real Mallorca and Bordeaux.
"Riera has the qualities we were looking for. He's a left footer who normally plays on the left wing," said Reds boss Benitez.
"He's good in the air, strong, powerful and a good crosser of the ball.
"He's the kind of player we have been talking about. He can beat players and get good deliveries into the area for our strikers.
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"We've known about him for a long time, since he was at Mallorca and then through his career with Bordeaux, Manchester City and Espanyol
"He can talk English and of course he knows the Premier League, which is a big bonus.
"Usually foreign players need time when they go to a new country, but Riera already knows the league and the style of football.
In May, Riera was left out of Spain's Euro 2008 squad despite helping the national side qualify for the tournament.
Everton are believed to have met Espanyol's asking price for Riera but the player is understood to have favoured a move to Anfield.
Benitez added: "He also had offers from other English clubs but he said no to them because he wanted to come and play for us.
"That means a lot to me because it shows the commitment he has to play for Liverpool."
Riera's joins Liverpool following the earlier news on transfer deadline day that Steve Finnan was moving in the opposite direction for an undisclosed fee.
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