LIVERPOOL’S Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva says new signing Joe Allen is already impressing his new team-mates in training.
Allen became Brendan Rodgers’ second signing since taking over at Anfield just over two months ago, the first being Italian international striker Fabio Borini.
The midfielder, who arrived from Swansea City, showed wonderful passing ability in his debut Premier League season as well as some excellent tackling; both facts which were laid bare by Allen’s Opta statistics for the last campaign. Now the young Welshman is showing his new team-mates what he can do at first hand.
Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com Lucas confirmed:
“He [Allen] had a training session with us and we can see what a quality player he is so hopefully he can be a key player for us during the season. It’s one more player to fight for a place and it’s really good for the club. We need more than 11 players to be successful.
“He had a good season last year and he had a great tournament in the Olympics as well. He has confidence and he has experience so hopefully he will do well for us.”
Liverpool have completed their pre-season schedule and have already played two competitive matches in the Europa League qualifiers, both of which they won, and Lucas feels that the Reds will be better placed for their opening Premier League fixtures as a result of this match practice.
“It’s always important to play a competitive game and we had the chance to play two before the Premier League season starts. That will give us a good momentum and confidence to have a good start in the Premier League.
“We still have another week to train but I think it was a positive pre-season for us. We have spent a lot of time working and training with the new manager and we will be ready for the start of the new season. Hopefully we can start with a good win.”
[ad_pod id=”unruly-video” align=”center”]
At 25 years old, Lucas has become an integral part of the Reds’ midfield and is being spoken of as a future captain of the club. However, having missed out on half of last season with injury and having endured Liverpool’s end of season slump in the Premier League from the side-lines, the Brazilian recognises that regaining a top four place is a priority whilst admitting that life in the Premier League is not getting any easier.
“Of course we have been doing well in pre-season but now it will be a big test for us,” he said.
“I think we will have a better idea when the season starts. Let’s go game by game and see what we are able to achieve, but hopefully we can get a Champions League spot which is what we are looking for.
“We can see many clubs competing for the top four so it’s not going to be easy, unlike four years ago when maybe we only had four teams. This is a very difficult league to play in and we just have to make sure we approach every game really well and improve in every game.”
You can catch Neil on Twitter @Neil1980 or on his blog http://itsallinthegameblog.wordpress.com/
Live4Liverpool is recruiting columnists. For further info contact the site editor at live4liverpool@snack-media.com
Follow us on Twitter here: @live4Liverpool and ‘Like’ us on Facebook
