Liveerpool sign Phillipp Degen

[Lemmy]

Liverpool have finalised the transfer of Switzerland international defender Philipp Degen on a free transfer from German club Borussia Dortmund.

The 25-year-old former Basel player, who will compete with Alvaro Arbeloa and Steve Finnan for the right-back berth, has signed a four-year deal.

An unused substitute during Euro 2008, Degen agreed to join Liverpool in May.

Liverpool also expect to complete the signing of Udinese defender Andrea Dossena in the next few days.

Degen began his career with Basel in 1996, making his debut in 2001, before joining Dortmund in 2005.

"His strength is going forward," Reds manager Rafael Benitez told Liverpool's website when the agreement was confirmed.

"He is an offensive player with great energy and a winning mentality.

"He also played in the Champions League during his time with Basel and so is used to top-level football."

"He is a good signing, a player of potential, who can help us improve in the wide areas."

BBC SPORT | Football | My Club | Liverpool | Liverpool complete Degen signing

[NJ10]

I'm not expecting too much from him, bit like when we "snapped up" Voronin this time last year. I hear he is a very attacking full back, so maybe he will be used in home games against lesser teams. One thing with Finnan, even though I am one of his biggest fans, is that he is hardly likely to get to the byline to get crosses in, he is more of a deep crossing full back. And Arbeloa rarely gets forward at all, even though he is a decent defender.

Hopefully he can prove to be a bit of a shrewd signing, but as i say, i wont be holding my breath.

[Mighty T.A.L.]

If Degen prove to be good at defending then I believe he will succeed in Liverpool. He will be our best right back offensive and as you said NJ10 he will be a recommended option in our home games.

[Lemmy]

It won't be much of a loss if he doesn't succeed in Liverpool since they got him for free. His last season with Dortmund, he was injured for a good part of it and only played 10 games for them

[Mighty T.A.L.]

One player who is not good enough could cost points. You need 11 good men.