I never doubted
Meireles'
quality as a player:
Roy Hodgson
Roy Hodgson has heaped praise on midfielder Raul Meireles, who was instrumental in Liverpool FC’s home win against Aston Villa in the English Premier League over the weekend.
The Reds cruised to a 3-0 triumph against the Villa at Anfield, with Ryan Babel, David N’Gog and Maxi Rodriguez all getting on the score-sheet.
The manager said he was pleased with his player’s performance, especially Meireles, who pulled the strings in the centre of the park. The Portuguese did not manage to score,
but played a pivotal role in the moves that set up his team-mates to score.
The Liverpool manager was delighted that the recruit from FC Porto was starting to find his feet in the Premier League.
Hodgson said, "With Raul Meireles it was always just a question of time. He came from a different league, but I never doubted his quality as a player. I always knew we'd
get something out of him because of his exceptional ability. I'm sure we'll get even more out of him now, with the more games he plays as he settles more and more into life in England."
Roy is also happy for his players, who have started to produce remarkable performances at this crucial stage of the season. The former Fulham boss is impressed by the progress
of Argentinean Maxi Rodreguez and right-back Glenn Johnson.
He added, “Maxi Rodriguez is a very intelligent player. Despite the fact that I do not speak Spanish and he doesn't speak that much English, we've always had a good understanding
together. He knows what I want and I've been happy to see him do it on the field." The Liverpool boss was also pleased with the progress of Glen Johnson, and said that the England international is playing with confidence and doing extremely well.
Liverpool, who were languishing in 18th place in the Premier League in October, have now climbed to 8th position in the table. Hodgson’s next aim is to break in to the top
four, and secure qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League. The task of finishing in the top four may not seem impossible for the Reds, as they are just five points shy of fourth placed Manchester City.
Liverpool next face a tough trip to St. James’ Park on Saturday to face Newcastle United in the Premier League.
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