Charlie Adam
Liverpool's Adam challenges Queens Park Rangers' Barton during their English Premier League match at Anfield in Liverpool. REUTERS

Liverpool legend Gary McAllister has praised the clubs new signings despite some of their less than impressive starts to life at Anfield.

The former Liverpool midfielder suggests the likes of Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson are all gradually coming to terms with what is required of them, and in time he believes all will prove shrewd acquisitions by Kenny Dalglish.

Liverpool spent in excess of £43 million during the summer in order to address their midfield, yet perhaps only Adam has consistently impressed at Anfield thus far. Downing and Henderson have shown fleeting glimpses of their ability yet McAllister claims all have the credentials to thrive under the management of the aforementioned Dalglish.

"I think since Kenny's come back, there's been an obvious improvement," McAllister told the Liverpool Echo.

"I think there's been some big signings during the summer - like everything else they need time to settle.

"Stewart Downing has been a great addition, Charlie Adam is a player I really admire, it just takes time for these players to gel in to the Liverpool way but there's no better teacher than Kenny Dalglish."

While eager to praise the new additions at Liverpool, McAllister, who was the catalyst to the club's trophy treble in 2001, suggests all are likely to improve when Steven Gerrard returns to full fitness.

The Liverpool talisman has endured an injury ravaged campaign this season but is reportedly back in light training and his former midfield partner believes the likes of Jordan Henderson and Adam will certainly benefit from his leadership when he returns.

"I think the one thing that's missing from the midfield is the leadership of Steven Gerrard." The Liverpool legend continued. I think Henderson, Adam and Downing would have benefited if the captain had been there, to lead by example.

"It's just been a wee bit unfortunate that during their brief period at the club the captain has been missing." The ex-Liverpool star concluded.