Brendan Rodgers backs Iago Aspas to take Liverpool's attack to the next level
Brendan Rodgers backs Iago Aspas to take Liverpool's attack to the next level
"The idea was that Aspas would give another dimension to our attacking play, and he's done that," says Liverpool boss Rodgers
All go for Iago: Iago Aspas in pre-season action against Melbourne Victory
Michael Dodge
Brendan Rodgers has already seen enough in pre-season training, to confidently predict new signing Iago Aspas can take his team to a new level.
The Liverpool manager has been hugely encouraged by the Reds' performance on their tour of the Far East, and in particular the interaction between his attacking players.
Young Brazilian star Philippe Coutinho has again looked a huge talent
in the making, while Steve Gerrard has thrived by exploiting space
offered by such elusive front men.
And according to Rodgers, it is the presence of Aspas that has added
major momentum...even if the Spanish star doesn't necessarily always
look like a gifted technician!
"Sometimes he's not always easy on the eye, but when you actually
monitor how efficient Iago is, he's an incredibly effective player,"
Rodgers insisted.
"The idea was that Aspas would give another dimension to our
attacking play, and he's done that. He creates goals and scores goals,
and some of our football on tour has been fluent and the movement very
clever.
"We now have some outstanding talent who can make a difference in the
final third - and that has been the most encouraging thing, that we
have real quality in that final third where it matters." Phil yer boots: Philippe Coutinho has been impressing in pre-season
Andrew Powell
For Rodgers, Aspas has provided a consistent platform for the
rest of the front players to work off, but it is the form of Coutinho
has that generated genuine excitement.
The Brazilian scored a stunning goal in the final pre-season game
against Thailand, and spearheaded a Liverpool attack that has looked
full of menace.
"What I am so encouraged about is the attacking part of our game is
coming together, with the movement and passing, and Coutinho is an
important part of that," Rodgers added.
"He's a delight on the
ball - he had me up off my seat at times. He really is a player you'd
pay to watch, and with the extra dimension Aspas has given us, we are
pleased with the development."
Which is all good news for Liverpool, because their main
attacking star, Luis Suarez, even if he stays at Anfield, will miss the
first six games of the season through suspension. And Rodgers admitted:
"We are planning with Luis for the future because he still has three
years left on his contract, but we also have to consider that he won't
be available for the opening games of the season.
"Our focus over the course of pre-season is on the first Premier
League game and he won't be available for that. As he gets closer to
finishing his ban then of course we will build him up, but in the
meantime, we are encouraged by the attacking players we have."
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