Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is confident that imminent buy Albert Riera will add value to his side and also urged the players to improve to make the club genuine Premiership title contenders this season.

The Reds were hardly impressive in a goalless draw against the fast-improving Aston Villa at Villa Park on Sunday. And the lacklustre performance forced the Spanish tactician, who was missing the services of captain Steven Gerrard and lost star striker Fernando Torres early through an injury, to make the improvement plea.

"We were controlling and creating the opportunity for the final pass," Benitez told Sky Sports 1. "We have to improve the final pass and that could be the difference."

Benitez, meanwhile, is looking forward to completing his summer transfer business with the capture of Spanish winger Riera from Espanyol and with it is certain that there will be improvement in the Merseysiders’ play.

Asked whether the former Manchester City loanee would be the last signing for the summer, Benitez said: "I think so. He will be a good addition. It is nearly done."