“From what I’ve seen of the dressing room so far everyone is together and in positive spirits. All of us working together is what can help us start getting results.

“I have come here to try and help turn things around. We are all very, very calm at the moment. The manager and players are all very focused. We have this goal of fourth place, and by working together we can go and do that.”

Rodriguez scored Atletico Madrid’s goal in the 1-1 Champions League draw at Anfield last season, and admits the current team is lacking the confidence of that Liverpool vintage.

“It’s always difficult to make comparison about a side then and a side now, particularly when you are talking about the same club,” he says.

“We managed to get a good result that night. Liverpool were playing with a lot of confidence then and came back into the game to get a draw. Now, it’s a case of getting some results. If we get one or two wins then it can start building confidence.”

Rodriguez had fallen out of favour with coach Quique Sánchez Flores during his final days at Atletico, primarily because of his refusal to sign a new contract.

And the player says: “The main reason I found myself on the bench was literally down to the whims and the decisions the manager makes. Latterly there has been talk of me moving, interest from other clubs, but the main reason I was out of the team is that the manager decided he didn’t want me in there.

“I’ve always wanted to play in the Premier League so when this opportunity came about I didn’t have to think twice. It is challenge, and I want to be able to say I’ve been a success here in the Premier League. I want to settle in as quickly as I can and help Liverpool start getting some results.”

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is confident his new recruit can have a positive influence on the team.

“Maxi is a player who understands the game,” he says. “He has quality. He’s not a proper winger who’ll pass players and dribble all the time but he can pass the ball and get in good positions.

“He can give to us more competition on the right side but he can play in three positions – right winger, second striker or left winger.”