David Fairclough believes Kenny Dalglish has brought the best out of Raul Meireles and has likened the Portugese midfielder to Kop idol Terry McDermott.
_of_102535882ap022_liverpool_v_.jpg)
The Kop legend is a big admirer of Liverpool's No.4 and he has no doubt that playing the midfielder in a central role will always bring out the best in him.
"Meireles is a class act, there's no doubt about that," Fairclough told Liverpoolfc.tv.
"We have to be really impressed by his form in front of goal at the moment. I like his desire to get into the box and the runs he makes.
"The run he made for the goal against Chelsea was fantastic because he was on the halfway line and he showed a fantastic desire to get into the box which is so important.
"Getting forward is a regular feature in his game now and he looks very comfortable playing under Kenny.
"I think it is very favourable to make comparisons with Terry McDermott and Raul does remind me of him.
"Terry scored some spectacular goals for Liverpool, some of the best in our history, and he made these trademark runs.
"Meireles makes similar runs and he is a big asset for our team.
"If Meireles can achieve half of what Terry did at Anfield then I'll tell you something we'll have some player on our hands.
"He has got a fierce shot and since his goal against Everton he can't stop scoring which is fantastic from a midfielder's point of view.
"It is crucial to get goals shared around and we can't just rely on the likes of Luis Suarez, Steven Gerrard and Andy Carroll.
"Maxi has chipped in with a few goals this season and we need him to get more. Dirk Kuyt could do with more goals as well and if we have a lot of goalscorers in this team then we will be back in business."
Another player Fairclough believes has got a new lease of life under Dalglish is Daniel Agger.
The Danish international is currently sidelined with an Adductor strain but he is on his way back and could return for next Thursday's Europa League second leg tie with Sparta Prague at Anfield.
The Kop hero insists Agger suits Dalglish's style of play perfectly.
"He is the type of player that Kenny likes - a natural ball playing centre-half," he added.
"Liverpool have had a tradition of that style of play and it has served us really well and we have achieved great success with it.
"Going back to the likes of Tommy Smith and Emlyn Hughes they loved to drive forward from the back and now we have that again.
"It is good to have a centre-half like Agger who is comfortable with the ball at his feet and can bring the ball out of defence and start attacks.
"He didn't get the chance to do that under Roy Hodgson who favoured a different style but clearly under Kenny Agger is back in our thoughts.
"I like Agger as a player and I know a lot of Liverpool fans enjoy seeing him in the team.
"Kenny wants 10 footballers in his team, 10 people who are very comfortable in possession and are happy with the ball at their feet.
"The more footballers you have in the side and Agger and Meireles are certainly that, then the more chance of success we will have."
Through his work for LFC TV and a regular watcher of the Academy team, Fairclough has been casting more than a close eye on the progress of the youngsters.
The likes of Conor Coady, Jack Robinson, John Flanagan and Raheem Sterling were all included in Dalglish's squad for the trip to Prague, and Fairclough believes they will reap the benefits of working with the manager.
He added: "Kenny is right protecting the youngsters and he is the best person for them to have around.
"I'm sure Kenny was in the dressing room on Monday night right after the game and having a bit of a joke with the likes of Sterling and putting his feet on the ground.
"It was a stunning performance you have to say. I have watched a lot of youth football throughout the years and for me that's as good as I can remember ever seeing.
"We are very excited about the potential Sterling has got but it's right to keep his feet on the ground and not put too much pressure on him.
"There is a long way to go but these youngsters couldn't wish for anyone better than Kenny to nurture him along.
"Kenny knows about their hopes and aspirations and when they are making progress and looking strong enough then he will put them into the group.
"It was nice to see Conor Coady make the bench and that was a reward for his consistency for Liverpool and captaining England.
"There are a good handful of young lads who you feel could have bright futures.
"John Flanagan and Jack Robinson have been excellent for the reserve team and they are also making excellent progress under John McMahon."
No comments:
Post a Comment