http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Liverpool-c39809 defender, Jose Enrique, believes that the current competition in the squad for a berth in the playing-eleven was a healthy sign for the Reds, and vowed to put up a fight to secure his place.
The Spanish International missed out on the starting place against Manchester City, but was a part of the first-eleven in the next game against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Arsenal-c38429.
Even though the 26-year old has remained a regular member of the team for a good period of the preceding term, he now faces the challenge of retaining his slot.
New manager, Brendan Rodgers, has come up with the strategy of playing http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Stewart-Downing-c34221 in the left-back position – a decision which has put Enrique’s place in jeopardy.
The Northern Irishman wants his defenders to play a helping hand upfront, apart from fulfilling their defensive duties. Downing seems to fit in this ploy better than Enrique.
Furthermore, the manager has also got another option in http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jack-Robinson-c17461. The 19-year old has already made an appearance in the Europa League this season, and promises to be an exciting talent.
Nonetheless, Enrique was unfazed over the competition that he now faces. Instead, he viewed it as a positive sign for the club, and hoped that Downing would be able to make an impression in his new role.
“It's a good thing because before there was just myself and Jack Robinson,” he told the reporters.
“With the way we intend to play, that is with the right-back and left-back attacking, Stewart can fit in well. He's a good lad and I'm happy for him. We have many games so it's good to have competition for places.”
The Spaniard was signed by Liverpool from Newcastle United last summer. Since then, he has gone on to represent the Reds in 45 matches in all competitions.
He revealed that he had learnt a lot during his stay at Merseyside, and was also optimistic of improving even further under the tutelage of his new boss.
“I'm still learning. At teams like Liverpool you learn quickly. In one year here I have learned a lot and with this manager I have learned plenty too.”
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