The Reds manager sees similarities in the two youngsters, with the new signing from Sevilla able to have an impact immediately as well as in the seasons to come
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes that new signing Luis Alberto is in the same mould as successful January recruit Philippe Coutinho.
The forward joined the Reds from Sevilla on Saturday and the Anfield boss feels that he can make an impact immediately as well as in the long term.
“He’s another Coutinho-type,” Rodgers enthused to talkSPORT. “We brought in young Philippe Coutinho in January when he was 20 but he had good experience and, more importantly, fitted the profile of what we’re trying to do here and what we’re trying to build.
“Young Luis is exactly the same – a talented, very highly rated young player when he was at Sevilla but obviously spent last season at Barcelona B.
“He’s a big talent and one for now that can play. He’s got competitive games behind him and is one we see progressing over the next few years. Importantly, he knows the type of game and model we’re trying to work in.”
Luis Alberto joins Kolo Toure and Iago Aspas as new faces at Anfield this summer and Rodgers was happy to praise his other signings as well.
“Kolo Toure is a player I’ve admired since he came into the Premier League,” he observed. “He was a wonderful servant for Arsenal and a part of that ‘Invincibles’ group and did exceptionally well. And, in the transformation of Manchester City, they brought him in as one of their key players.
“We’re losing an absolute colossal player in Jamie Carragher, who was absolutely brilliant for me. It’s very, very hard to replace that type.
“Kolo Toure will give us that experience and winning mentality.
“He’s still very fit, very strong and will come in, offer that support and fight for his place in the team.
“Iago Aspas was one of the stars for Celta Vigo. He’s a goalscorer, he’s quick, dynamic, aggressive in his game and has a winning mentality.
“I feel these are the types of players that can come into Liverpool and keep our momentum moving forward. Players that are hungry to succeed, because that’s important for us.”