Rodgers Tips Spanish Winger to Set the Premier League Alight

Brendan Rodgers believes that new signing Luis Alberto can have a similar impact to Philippe Coutinho who arrived in January and instantly excelled within the Liverpool first team.

Alberto lacks top flight experience, having only made seven La Liga appearances for Sevilla, but an impressive season long-loan at Barcelona B helped convince Rodgers that he could make an impact in the Premier League.

The 20 year old scored 11 times in the Segunda division last season and was rewarded for his impressive form by being called up to the Spain Under-21 side.

With Rodgers proving last season that he was prepared to hand young players opportunities in the first team, Alberto will be hoping that he is handed the chance to showcase his talent in the upcoming campaign.

Quizzed on whether the winger was a player for the future or would be competing for a place in the first team, Rodgers told the official Liverpool website: "Both. He's one who, over the next period of time, we'll see is an outstanding player. He fits what we're trying to do really well.

"He's a very young player but he's played competitive games, and the philosophy won't be anything new to him. He understands the game very well. He's got the right profile of what we want and he's another player who can score goals.

"I'm very much looking forward to working with him and seeing how he develops in the squad."

Rodgers is also hoping that Alberto can have a similar impact to the one made by fellow youngster Coutinho who arrived from Inter Milan in January and instantly became a fan favourite with a string of notable performances.

The 21 year old scored three league goals in his 13 appearances, but it was his ability on the ball and the vision he demonstrated that had fans and experts singing his praises.

Rodgers feels that a lack of expectation helps the younger players and hopes that Alberto can excel in the same way as Coutinho.

"There's no pressure," added Rodgers. "You saw with Philippe Coutinho, who came in at the beginning of the year at 20 years of age, and he was a similar profile - had experience but was young. He set the Premier League alight in his first six months here.

"Luis is big as well and hopefully he can produce for us like many of the Spanish players have done over the years."