'LFC attack as good as Barca'

Arjen Robben believes Liverpool's capture of Joe Cole gives them as good a forward line as Barcelona.

The Bayern Munich winger played with Cole for three years at Chelsea - and is surprised the champions let him go.

But the London club's loss is Liverpool's gain according to Robben - who now puts the Reds' attack up there with anything in Europe.

That includes Messrs Messi, Villa and Ibrahimovic at the Nou Camp.

"With a front three of Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Cole I think Liverpool will be a real force in the Premier League," said the Dutchman.

"Last year was a freak year, but if those three click I can see them seriously challenging for the title.

"You look at those as a front three and you struggle to find a better front three in Europe - and I include Barcelona's in that."

Gerrard was quoted during England's World Cup campaign in South Africa as saying Cole is as good on the ball as Lionel Messi.

Video: Fans on our young stars>>

Robben added: "I read Gerrard's words about Joe being as good as Messi on the ball and I couldn't agree more.

''After training with him for so long I can tell you some of the things he can do with a football are as good as anything I have ever seen.

"If Joe is now played in a more central position he will score and create a lot of goals, I see him as a real runner for Player of the Season. He is not just about tricks, though - his vision is fantastic. The chances he will create for Torres will help Liverpool to have a trophy-winning season.

"I think it was a big mistake of Chelsea's letting Joe go, and I am sure the fans feel the same way. At 28, even with his injuries, Joe must still be a £15 million-pound player in the current market."