Rodgers: Signing will go a long way

Manager backs Fabio Borini to keep improving

By Zain Alvi | 10th August 2012

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has assured the club’s supporters that yesterday evening’s cracking goal against Gomel is only the beginning in the promising development of Fabio Borini at Anfield.

Borini arrived from Roma last month and wasted little time in making an impact as he struck home brilliantly to kick-start the 3-0 destruction (4-0 on aggregate) of the opponents from Belarus in front of a thrilled home crowd.

While Rodgers was quick to praise Borini and fellow front-men Luis Suarez and Stewart Downing following last night’s triumph, he noted that the player’s quick integration into the squad has masked some areas of development that will make him a far superior player in the future.

“For strikers, it’s important to get off the mark early. They are normally judged on goals in games and that’s why I brought Fabio here because I know that he can score goals,” Rodgers was quoted at LiverpoolFC.tv.

The manager continued: “He’s only 21 years of age and he’s still got a lot of improvements to make but his work rate tonight and his ability to press the ball was excellent.

“He’ll fit into our team very well. You can see that he links well with players, especially Steven Gerrard. They have got a good relationship both on and off the pitch.

“I thought he did very well along with all the others in the team.”

Borini’s first goal for the Reds was also a memorable moment for teammate Luis Suarez, who stunned the Gomel defense to get into the box and initiate a brilliant move.

That particular attack ultimately led to the Italian’s thunderous strike and drew significant appreciation from Rodgers.

“He’s the type of player I love. This is a guy who’s in love with football. His passion for the game is immense and he is a great reference for the team. You see his brightness and his cleverness,” an excited Rodgers noted.

A few days ago, Welshman Craig Bellamy also singled Suarez out for praise, describing himself as “fortunate” to play alongside the Uruguayan forward.