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.”

Los Blancos are keen to develop an understanding with the Premier League side in order to avoid a transfer battle for mutual targets, following their understanding with Tottenham

MADRID & MAN CITY IMPROVE RELATIONS

Real Madrid seem to be increasing their sphere of influence in the Premier League.

The Sweeper understands the Spanish giants are keen to develop a decent working relationship with fellow rich boys Manchester City.

Both clubs have been in pursuit of Malaga wonderkid Isco and Napoli’s Edinson Cavani during the current transfer window but the two superpowers are keen not to spark a bidding war on mutual targets going forward.

Madrid president Florentino Perez is a business associate of City’s owner Sheikh Mansour, and regularly spends time in Abu Dhabi.

Sources have indicated that a ‘degree of understanding’ now exists between the two clubs, with Madrid already having a strategic alliance with Tottenham in terms of sharing important information.

Brendan Rodgers’s new man, secured from Sevilla, has the right temperament for the Premier League, a young attacker who is adept at playing across the forward line

PROFILE
By Ben Hayward | Spanish Football Writer

Liverpool have a new Luis in their ranks but whether the club’s latest recruit from Sevilla gets the chance to play alongside their troubled Uruguayan remains to be seen.

With Luis Suarez away in Brazil at the Confederations Cup and his future very much undecided amid interest from Real Madrid, Luis Alberto has arrived on the scene – and he is delighted to be playing his football at Anfield.

“I feel like I’m in a bubble at the moment,” he said on Saturday. “For me, Liverpool is a top team. I feel like I am dreaming and I want to enjoy it to the full. I feel very excited, I’ve never felt so excited before but I’m very happy. I think I am the happiest man on Earth.”

Liverpool supporters have reasons to be cheerful, too.

Signed from Sevilla for a very reasonable £6.8 million, Luis Alberto’s career has totally transformed since the frustration at a lack of opportunities, the contract disputes and the struggle for motivation at Sevilla B in recent seasons.

A loan move to Barcelona B last term was supposed to prepare the forward for Sevilla’s first team but it went better than perhaps even the Andalusians could have imagined and, after the Catalan club turned down an option to make the move permanent due to overbooking in their first-team forward line, Liverpool moved quickly to seal his signature.

Liverpool have been watching Luis Alberto since October and must have been impressed with what they saw. Operating primarily in the ‘false nine’ role, the 20-year-old formed an admirable association with brilliant youngster Gerard Deulofeu and ended the campaign with 11 goals – most with his powerful right foot and some spectacular.

More impressive even that that, however, was his link-up play; Luis Alberto’s vision and superb technical ability shone at the Miniestadi as he set up no fewer than 18 goals for his team-mates last term. Indeed, many Barcelona fans are unhappy to see him leave.

Luis Alberto could have operated in any of the front three positions at Barca but the ‘false nine’ role belongs to Messi, the left wing will be occupied by Neymar next season and the right slot is set to be disputed by Alexis Sanchez and Pedro. A new striker may also arrive, while Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas play further forward at times and there is no room even for Thiago who, frustrated at his lack of minutes in 2012-13, could move to Manchester United.

But Barca’s loss can be Liverpool’s gain. Adaptation will be necessary and the Cadiz-born forward can improve some aspects of his game, notably his aerial ability and his build. But his undoubted technical ability and creative flair make him an ideal fit for Brendan Rodgers’s Reds and his versatility will also be a big boost – he can play either as a lone frontman, drop deeper as a support striker, as a ‘false-nine’, a left or right winger or even an attacking midfielder.

A little like fellow Spain star Juan Mata but more direct than the Chelsea player, the 20-year-old is mild-mannered, unselfish and eager to get going with his new team. Fans can only hope they get to see the new Luis Alberto alongside his Uruguayan namesake next season. If they do, it could be quite a partnership. And if not, the new man will have even more opportunity to shine.

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