Liverpool's new Spanish signing Josemi has dismissed the theory that Rafael Benitez is going to be a defensive manager at Anfield.

The £2million new boy from Malaga got his first taste of Merseyside today after flying back with his new colleagues from their USA tour.

He managed just 45 minutes of the final match, a 2-1 win against Roma in New Jersey on Tuesday, before returning to Liverpool.

And Josemi - who knows Benitez's work in Spain very well - is quick to counter the theory that because his coach was considered defensive there, he will continue that theme at Anfield.

The signs of quality possession and high speed attacking were becoming clear in Liverpool's matches in America - and Josemi believes that is only the beginning of a whole new look to the Merseysiders.

They were considered cautious under former boss Gerard Houllier, but Josemi sees a whole new style developing.

He said: "When you look at what he has achieved with Valencia, two league titles and the UEFA Cup in three seasons, he is very highly regarded in Spain for obvious reasons.

"And with the quality of front players we have got here at Liverpool, it is hard to imagine that Liverpool are going to be considered as a defensive unit.

"The manager will obviously concentrate on defending as the base of the side, but I have no doubt he will want us to attack at every opportunity."

The 24-year-old is Benitez's first signing - Djibril Cisse was already signed when the Spanish coach arrived at the club - and he is virtually unknown in the UK.

But he is expected to be named in the full Spanish squad soon, and is certainly destined to make the right-back spot his own.

That means a tough fight for Steve Finnan to stay in the squad, and he is already being eyed by other clubs with Blackburn wanting him on loan.

With Liverpool distancing themselves from a link with Everton's Thomas Gravesen, it seems unlikely now that Liverpool will have anyone else on board before the Barclays Premiership season starts on Saturday week.

Josemi has already observed the Benitez influence, adding: "The things he is starting to do here, little by little, shows the players are beginning to get used to his ideas.

"I think he is going to bring some great results here for Liverpool.

"The manager is very well known for his tactical knowledge, planning and reactions, he is known in Spain for working very, very hard on things like that.

"I do believe we can make a serious challenge for the title, and it is not just because of the strikers.

"Liverpool have got quality all over the pitch, not just up front.

"The likes of Sami Hyypia, Steven Gerrard in midfield plus the forwards that we have got, I believe I have joined a club who are going to do good things this season.

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