Alberto Moreno backs Christian Benteke and Roberto Firmino to be big stars for Liverpool this season

Liverpool left-back Alberto Moreno has tipped summer signing duo Christian Benteke and Roberto Firmino to be a big hit at Anfield, adding that he believes academy starlet Jordon Ibe can fill the gap left by the departure of Raheem Sterling to Manchester City.

Brendan Rodgers has broke the bank to secure the services of the Aston Villa striker and the promising Brazilian during the transfer window to address the lack of goals that blighted the side last season, when Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert failed to fill the void left by Luis Suarez – while Daniel Sturridge missed much of the campaign due to injuries

And Moreno believes that Benteke is the solution to the Reds woes, pointing to his record up front at Villa Park where he nabbed 49 goals in 101 appearances.

"[Benteke] is a top player. He's unplayable in the air and despite his size he's really good with his feet. He could score a hatful of goals," Moreno said to Marca.

Speaking about Firmino, he added: "Supporters will get to know him quickly.

"Every ball he hits, with either foot, finds the back of the net."

Moreno admits that the departure of Sterling was a big loss for the Merseysiders, but backs the impressive Ibe to replace him.

"If Sterling wants it enough, he can become one of the best in the world. It's hard to keep up with him once he gets a run on you. We used to tell him that he had a rocket up his bottom," Moreno said about his former teammate, laughing.

Asked whether Ibe has what it takes to fill those shoes, he replied: "Despite being only 19 years old, he's shown he has what it takes to be one of Europe's top young players. He's really quick."

Moreno, meanwhile, has also backed Mario Balotelli to rescue his career despite the Italian's future at Anfield looking uncertain after falling out of favour with Rodgers.

"I think he's unfairly maligned. He's a very relaxed guy, he never bothers anyone. He could be a great striker: he's got the tools. Things haven't gone well for him here, he's really struggled to score goals. 'This had never happened to me before', he told me. I wish him the best if he ends up leaving because he's a great lad."