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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The Liverpool goalkeeper says he is ready to welcome the Sunderland man to the club as the Belgian prepares to complete his move to Anfield

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina insists he is not afraid of competition from Sunderland’s Simon Mignolet for the No.1 spot at Anfield.

The 25-year-old Belgium international is on the verge of moving to the Reds in a deal worth around £9 million after an impressive campaign at the Stadium of Light last term.

However, the Spain international says he is planning to help the Belgian settle in at his new club as quickly as possible.

“It doesn’t change a bit,” the 30-year-old told reporters.

“I said it many times, I’m very comfortable and happy with Liverpool.

“Every team needs competition and when it’s positive, it’s very welcome. I’m going to welcome him – anything he needs I’m here.”

Meanwhile, Rodgers has moved to deny that Mignolet is being brought in to replace Reina, who has been linked with a move to boyhood club Barcelona.

“One of the things we’re trying to build is a competitive squad,” the Liverpool boss told talkSPORT. “Our squad was very thin last year and it was great we were able to introduce a few young players from our academy but it’s very important that we have competition in every position and that wasn’t always the case.

“Pepe Reina and I went out for a meal a couple of months before the end of the season and I told him exactly what we were going to do, which was to provide real competition in that area.

“He was fully aware of my intention over the course of the last few months. It certainly wouldn’t be a surprise to Pepe.

“Pepe is a fantastic goalkeeper but Simon Mignolet is a player that has done really well. He’s also part of an emerging Belgium squad that has come into a golden era. He’s very much a part of that.

“When you work with Pepe, he’s a great man. A very committed man to the club and he’s an outstanding goalkeeper.”

The Anfield boss claims there is “no change” in the Uruguayan’s situation and says the club are still in contact with the striker who is currently at the Confederations Cup

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is adamant that the club are in complete control of Luis Suarez’s future.

The 26-year-old is currently at the Confederations Cup with Uruguay and has publicly voiced his desire to quit the Premier League this summer due to his negative portrayal in the British media.

Suarez, who has also claimed he is disturbed by Liverpool’s failure to secure Champions League football, has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, but Rodgers says he is relaxed over the Uruguayan’s demands.

“It’s quite simple. The club is in complete control of the situation,” Rodgers told talkSPORT.

“For me there is no real change in it. He’s away with the Uruguay squad at the moment and we’re messaging and what not.

“I will always listen to players. I always work closely with players and listen to their point of view but the biggest word is with the club.

“Sometimes interviews get put out there and highlighted, but parts of Luis’ interviews have been about how much he loves Liverpool, but of course that doesn’t get highlighted.

“It’s something that happens. I’m quite relaxed about it.”

Rodgers reiterated that Suarez is a vital part of Liverpool’s progression and believes the Uruguayan appreciates the backing from the club’s supporters.

“What I know is that the support Luis has had from the people here in Liverpool, the city and the football club, has been phenomenal and I know he feels that and respects that,” Rodgers said.

“We’re in a situation where we’ve got a player who we don’t want to lose.

“We’re trying to build something here and he’s a very important part of that and because of the type of player he is he will always give his best.”