Brendan Rodgers happy to see young guns settling in at Liverpool

Carl Markham 15:55 17/01/2015
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  • Making his Mark: Liverpool's Lazar Markovic.

    Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes his summer signings are finally emerging from an adaptation period and showing signs they can be a success at the club.

    Forward Lazar Markovic was first to shine with a number of impressive cameos, culminating in the 20-year-old’s maiden league goal since a £20 million (Dh111m) move from Benfica which beat Sunderland last weekend.

    Emre Can, meanwhile, has found a position for himself on the right side of a back-three but has shown his versatility with roles in midfield.

    The German, who turned 21 this week, is a product of Bayern Munich’s youth system and arrived in a £10m (Dh55.6m) deal after one season at Bayer Leverkusen.

    “He will need a bit of time moving to a new country as a young player,” said Rodgers. “I think he has shown his value and I think there is no doubt he will prove to be a real bargain for us.

    “He is a wonderful talent, great footballer, his stature and power is well suited to the Premier League, he is two-footed, has great balance and good aggression in his game.”

    Reds captain Steven Gerrard and fellow midfielder Adam Lallana have a chance of being fit for Saturday’s game agaainst Aston Villa. Gerrard was withdrawn at half-time of Saturday’s win at Sunderland with a tight hamstring while Lallana is ahead of schedule in his return from a thigh injury sustained on New Year’s Day.

    Meanwhile, Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has urged the club’s fans to forget about a planned protest before today’s game.

    Three unofficial fans’ websites have called on supporters to boycott the opening eight minutes to signify the eight years owner Randy Lerner has been in charge as they are fed up at the way the club is being run.

    Lambert said: “I understand the fans’ frustrations, but we’ll have a better chance of winning a game of football if they don’t protest, if they stick with the lads.”

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