Johnson had a stunning home debut in Liverpool's 4-0 victory over Stoke at Anfield, scoring one goal and helping to create two more in a fine, attacking display down the right flank.
And Liverpool chief Benitez revealed afterwards his signing of £2m Greek defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos is dependent now only on a medical.
The AEK Athens centre-back, and former Rangers player, will fly in to Merseyside on Thursday and is expected to complete his medical by the weekend and will go straight into the squad for Monday's home game against Aston Villa.
Benitez was delighted with Johnson, saying: "We wanted a player with quality who could score and create goals. He attacks very well and had a fine game. Against teams who defend deep against us, he can change games.
"I was also pleased with Lucas Leiva, he has taken a lot of unfair criticism from the pundits which is not fair. He is a fine professional and a very good player, our best in pre-season.''
Fernando Torres netted an early goal, with Johnson scoring just before the break. In the second period Dirk Kuyt and substitute David Ngog completed the victory.
Benitez added: "Last season against Stoke here, we just could not score an early goal to force them to come out.
"This time we got one very quickly and it gave us the space to attack. The second just before the break was very important, because it gave us the cushion we needed.''
Stoke boss Tony Pulis, who saw his side achieve a notable 0-0 draw in this corresponding fixture last season, said: "I hold my hands up, we were beaten by a better team and better players.
"Liverpool created more chances against us here last season, but just did not take them.
This time they were excellent. They do not only have Torres and Gerrard, who are world class. They have great players right through their team, and they showed that quality against us.
"My team never gave up, they are an honest crew who will work right to the end, but Liverpool were on a different level.
"To write them off after one defeat on the opening weekend is crazy. They will be up there fighting for the title again, I have no doubt about that. But I have no complaints about the result. Gerrard's piece of skill to create the third was world class.
"And Johnson and Kuyt down the right gave us loads of problems all night. They are both fine players and that partnership will give a lot of teams plenty of problems this season.''
Source: ESPN Soccernet, August 20, 2009
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