Ings believes his creativity can make big difference
Liverpool striker Danny Ings believes his all-action style can help make the jobs of the team's talented playmakers easier.
Daniel Sturridge's long injury lay-off last season meant the Reds lacked anyone who was willing to stretch opposition defences, which impacted on the space the more creative players had to work in.
With Mario Balotelli seemingly unwilling and Rickie Lambert not suited to pulling opponents out of position manager Brendan Rodgers regularly opted for the now-departed Raheem Sterling in a central role up front despite him not being a striker.
It remains to be seen how £32.5million signing Christian Benteke, who only begins training with his new team-mates this week after they returned from their pre-season tour, fits in with Rodgers' style but Ings is confident he can offer a useful option.
"After my knee injury (in 2012) I sort of devoted my whole time to working on my speed, my movement, and my creativity," he said.
"What I've found was really effective, even at Championship level, was making runs constantly in behind.
"As soon as a defender switches off that run in behind is so effective.
"As long as there's someone stretching the pitch and you've got your creative players behind you in that space - and you've got players at this football club to feed those runs - you can be an effective team. It's certainly something I'm looking forward to."
West Brom, meanwhile, are reportedly close to signing Rickie Lambert, who had one season at Liverpool.