Danny Wilson delighted at Liverpool move
New Liverpool central defender Danny Wilson has spoken of his delight at moving to the English Premier League (EPL) outfit, saying the move has completed a “crazy” year for him.
The 18 year-old former Rangers player made the switch to Anfield after making an impact at first-team level at the Scottish Premier League (SPL) champions last season. At this time last year, Wilson said he was in the middle of a pre-season schedule with the Ibrox club’s reserve team in Northern Ireland. In a little under 12 months, his impressive displays in 24 games alongside veteran David Weir in the SPL and the UEFA Champions League have seen his reputation increase exponentially.
As well as helping his club claim the league title, he was voted the Scottish Young Player of the Year by both the Football Writers’ Association and the Professional Footballers’ Association. His efforts over the last year have resulted in a high-profile transfer to one of the Premiership’s traditional Big Four clubs on a three-year deal for an initial £2 million. That fee could potentially raise to £5 million, depending on appearances.
Challenge for starting spot
Despite possessing considerable talent, the teenager is fully aware he faces a battle to gain a starting berth for the Reds. He told BBC Radio Merseyside: “I'm not going to sit here and say I deserve to push all these star players at Liverpool out of the team - it could take a while. It's going to take a lot of learning from me. I've noticed in training it's a faster pace down here and it's a different style. My main aim is to do as well as I can. I've not set myself any targets, but when it happens, it happens and if not, I'll just keep working hard and try and make it happen."
Though the player spent his youth career at Ibrox and had been tipped for a bright future with the SPL outfit, he felt he could not turn down the opportunity to test himself in one of Europe’s toughest leagues against some of the best players in the world. He said that: "Once I heard of (Liverpool’s interest in me) I thought if there was a chance I could come to this club then I definitely would. Everybody knows Liverpool everywhere you go in the world, both the football club and the city. They've won five Champions League titles and 18 league titles and you can't argue with a record like that, especially in such a difficult league like England."
The youngster has also progressed through the ranks for the Scotland international side, and was captain of the Under-19 international squad. He currently plays for his country at the Under-21 level.
Along with Wilson, Liverpool has secured the services of free agent Joe Cole (formerly of EPL rivals Chelsea) this summer. With these signings helping new manager Roy Hodgson’s restructuring of the squad, suggestions have been made that the club can once again challenge for honours following a disappointing 2009-10 season, where they finished sixth in the league.
Cole key to success
England international Joe Cole is seen as key to the Merseyside outfit’s ambitions for the coming season, with his creativity and craft able to unlock the most steadfast of defences. Hodgson may be tempted to employ him in the space behind Spanish striker Fernando Torres, allowing captain Steven Gerrard to make runs forward from midfield. Cole’s former teammate at Chelsea, Arjen Robben, has suggested a front three of Cole, Gerrard and Torres can turn Liverpool into “a real force in the Premier League."
Meanwhile, the club has also agreed to a £2.5 million fee for the transfer of Aston Villa defender Luke Young, with the deal subject to a medical exam and the agreement of personal terms.
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