Hodgson admits the Dane was one of his top transfer t...argets - and he is delighted to have landed a player he believes can make a telling contribution in 2010-11.
The manager told a press conference at Melwood: "Christian is an all-round player. He is capable of scoring goals, a good passer of the ball and a good defender too. I don't see him being limited to one particular role.
"He has enormous experience at the very highest level. He has almost 80 caps for Denmark and played at top clubs like Sevilla, Schalke and Juventus.
"For me, it was a very simple decision when I heard he might be available at what we considered to be a very reasonable price.
"We need as many good players as we can get and if you let these opportunities pass you by, sometimes you can regret it.
"Christian is a quality player and we want quality players at Liverpool because we try to play football through the midfield. Liverpool have always been a passing team, a team that prides itself on its ability to pass the ball and support each other, and there's going to be no change in that style whether I'm the manager or anyone else is the manager.
"Poulsen is a good quality passer and supporter, and he'll fit in nicely with the way we try to play."
Hodgson is credited with giving Poulsen his first big break in football when he took the then rookie midfielder from Holbaek to FC Copenhagen back in 2000 following a successful trial spell.
The duo enjoyed title success at the Parken Stadium and Poulsen went on to win international recognition thanks to his eye-catching dominant midfield performances.
"I think it was one of the easiest decisions I've ever made," reflected the Reds boss.
"I remember he had to take time off work to spend time with us and the plan was to have him for a whole week, but after the first day I told the sporting director to sign him. His talent was so far above where he was playing.
"He initially played right-back and when a gap opened up in midfield, he stepped straight in there and we never looked back. His career has gone onwards and upwards since then."
Hodgson confirmed he will assess his new signing in training this weekend before deciding whether to pitch him straight into the first team in the Barclays Premier League opener against Arsenal on Sunday.
He said: "I haven't chosen the team yet, so I can bat away any questions on the team selection for Sunday. We train tomorrow and I will let people know who is playing tomorrow, but not today."
Meanwhile, Poulsen admits he is relishing the opportunity of working under Hodgson's stewardship once again.
The 30-year-old confesses the manager played a key role in shaping his career, and he's eager to revive their relationship.
"It is a big step for me. I know the club and its big history, so I am looking forward to playing here and hopefully playing a lot of good games for the team and having a good season. I am happy to be a part of the team," said Poulsen.
"I have worked with Roy Hodgson before, so I know him as a manager. But also the whole history of Liverpool is big and when they come calling, you don't need many days to decide.
"I come here from a good club in Juventus and I had good times there, but I am looking forward to a new challenge in Premier League and it will be nice to play at Anfield and feel the atmosphere."
Recalling the last time he crossed paths with Hodgson, Poulsen said: "I was really young and it was many years ago.
"He took me from a third division club in Denmark, gave me a chance at Copenhagen and we were lucky enough to win the Championship together. It was a really good feeling.
"He came with new ideas we hadn't seen in Denmark before. He took the team together and made a really strong group. It was important we won the title and it was because he was a good team worker."
Despite having starred in Germany, Spain and Italy's top leagues, Poulsen acknowledges the Barclays Premier League could be his toughest test of all, particularly given the abundance of talent already within the Liverpool squad.
However, it's a challenge he is ready to give his all to in order to try and conquer.
He said: "The Premier League is the strongest league in the world. In Denmark we see a lot of the Premier League, so I know it will be a challenge for me here, but hopefully I can do well.
"There are really big players here and I am looking forward to the challenge. It is a club with a really big history and we need a big and strong squad to be at the top of the Premier League. I want to part of that.
"I have had two training sessions so far and I will try to adapt to the game here, learn the players and how we play as fast as possible. I hope I can quickly adapt to playing in Liverpool."
Poulsen has been greeted by a familiar face at Melwood in the form of Danish international teammate Daniel Agger - and he admits he spoke with the Reds defender prior to making the switch.
"I've spoken to Daniel Agger over the years and he has only good things to say about Liverpool, so I was sure I wanted to make this change and I'm also looking forward to playing with Danny," he said.
Asked if he felt he could play a part in helping Liverpool challenge for top honours this season, Poulsen replied: "I hope so, it would be a dream come true.
"Liverpool have such a big history and a good team. Compared to other teams in the Premier League, we are ready to challenge with everybody.
"It is a quick start and a huge game on Sunday against Arsenal, but hopefully we can make a good start.
"It is a long season but I hope we can reach the top."
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