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PETER CROUCH scored for Liverpool and talked of the “difficulties” Rafael Benitez has in keeping all his players happy - while Steve Finnan insisted this is the best Anfield squad he had been involved with.

The contrasting comments from within the Liverpool squad were evident last night as Liverpool showed their strength in depth.

Liverpool outplayed Toulouse, winning 4-0 on the night and 5-0 on aggregate.

Full-back Finnan said: “This is by far the best squad I have been involved in here, the boss has two players for every position and it is keeping everyone on their toes.”

Crouch said: “It’s going to get difficult but as long as I get as many games as I’d like it’s okay.

STEVE FINNAN is convinced Liverpool will iron out any lingering flaws ahead of the new season as they prepare for their final warm-up games this weekend.

After completing a gruelling trip from Hong Kong, the team will head to Holland for the Rotterdam tournament.

Friday’s penalty defeat in the Asia Cup exposed weaknesses which were all too apparent last season as Liverpool dominated the game but failed to turn superiority into goals.

It’s hoped the summer investment in attacking talent will change the fortunes of Rafa Benitez’s side, and Finnan dismissed claims the loss to Portsmouth is a taste of what’s to come.

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“The game against Portsmouth was similar to a lot of games last season,” admitted the defender.

“If Premiership points had been at stake, we’d have been very frustrated not taking three points. Even losing a friendly was frustrating. We had the chances and they only had one when Pepe made a good save.

“But overall we have to remember these games are all about fitness. It’s always nice to win, but the Premier League is what’s important.

“The new lads have had no time at all to settle really, but we know they’re all really good players. The squad is improving all the time, and it’s certainly better now than at any time I’ve been at the club.

“It’s just about working on a few things here and there now before the season starts properly.”

Finnan feels part of Liverpool’s problems away from home last season were psychological, as the failure to punish sides when they were on the rack became a habit they couldn’t shake off.

“There were a lot games last season when we had all the play, didn’t score, and maybe we’d be thinking here we go again,” he said.

“A lot of teams are forced to defend against us, and we’ve got to take that dominance we have in many games, try and nick a goal and keep at them.

“That relieves the pressure on the defence, too. I can remember a lot of games where we’ve dominated and only given away one or two chances but conceded goals and lost points.

“You have to get in front when you’re on top.”

Finnan will pen a new deal tomorrow after agreeing a two-year extension, which may become three, depending on clauses.

“It will be great to get it signed.”

STEVE FINNAN is set to become the latest player to commit his long-term future to Liverpool – with the Anfield club expected to tie up their £17million double swoop for Yossi Benayoun and Ryan Babel today.

Highly-rated 20-year-old forward Babel was on Merseyside yesterday to agree terms on a five-year deal and pass a medical.

Although Liverpool and Ajax have yet to decide on a fee for the versatile attacker – who can play up front or on either wing – agreement is expected to be reached today on a price of around £12m.

Liverpool have already negotiated a package understood to be worth £5m for Benayoun, who travelled north last night and will have a medical today.

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No problems are anticipated with either transfer, and Liverpool are hopeful of unveiling the pair before the end of the week.

Rafael Benitez believes Israeli midfielder Benayoun can prove a ready-made replacement for the recently departed Luis Garcia.

“They are similar,” said the Liverpool manager. “Maybe Luis is a player who scores more goals and Benayoun tends to make more assists.

“Like Luis, he is a very technical, clever player with a lot of game intelligence. He can also play in many positions, giving us a different option for the team.

“He was offered a big new contract at West Ham and received offers from a lot of other clubs offering him more money. But Yossi’s message was always the same. He said he was desperate to only join Liverpool because this was his dream.”

Liverpool’s other major summer recruit, Fernando Torres, is nursing a minor ankle injury, although he took part in training yesterday.

Finnan, meanwhile, is poised to follow the example of Pepe Reina, Momo Sissoko, Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and Xabi Alonso by signing a new contract.

The 31-year-old Republic of Ireland international has been offered a two-year deal with the option of an extra 12 months.

Elsewhere, Benitez has added to his backroom staff at Melwood with the appointment of Angel Vales as a reserve team coach and head of technical analysis.

The 40-year-old Spaniard has previously been part of the management team in youth development at clubs in Spain and Portugal, and is a doctor of sports science.

Benitez also continues to bolster Liverpool ’s youth set-up with Millwall striker David Amoo the latest to arrive at the Academy yesterday, the Anfield outfit beating a number of leading clubs to the signature of the 17-year-old.

The Academy’s Head of Recruitment Malcolm Elias said: “He’s an exciting young talent with fantastic physical prowess. He’s a natural athlete who possesses great pace and has represented London as a sprinter at the English Schools National Track and Field Championships.”

Liverpool youngsters Martin Hansen and Michael Collins have both signed two-year professional contracts after turning 17.

Goalkeeper Hansen, a part of the club’s Youth Cup winning side last year and a regular for Denmark under-17s, will train at Melwood while Collins, a striker with the Republic of Ireland U17s, is posted at the Academy.