Liverpool Signing Lazar Markovic Can Have Instant Impact, Claims Rui Costa

Portugal legend Rui Costa believes Liverpool's new signing Lazar Markovic will have little trouble adapting to life in the Premier League after making his move to Merseyside.

Brendan Rodgers moved quickly to secure the services of Markovic last month, meeting Benfica's £20m release clause to bring the talented forward to Anfield.

The move has been largely recognised as a shrewd piece of business by the Reds boss, who could hand the 20-year-old his non-competitive debut this Friday against Olympiakos in Chicago.

While Rodgers is all but certain to afford Markovic the time to settle into a new league and new surroundings, former Fiorentina and Milan star Costa believes the young forward's skillset will allow him to swiftly thrive in the Premier League.

"What I will remember most about the transfer is how thankful and emotional he was when we told him Liverpool had met his release clause and that was going to allow him to sign for Liverpool," Costa, now Benfica's director of football told Sportsmail.

"I believe he will never forget the time he spent with us at Benfica. Markovic is a huge talent and I believe his speed and skills can make a difference in the Premier League. He is not a physical player but he has the ability and the flexibility to escape defenders easily.

"Apart from that, he's a really focused player. He loves football and enjoys playing and watching the game. Markovic is also very cold-blooded when he's one to one and he's not afraid of facing the opponents. He's always eager to learn, so I think he will adapt himself very quickly."

Markovic is the fourth player to arrive at Anfield this summer alongside former Southampton duo Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana and German Under-21 international Emre Can. Liverpool are also expected to confirm the arrival of French international Loic Remy in the coming days after the club agreed a fee of £8.5m with Queens Park Rangers.