Liverpool Youngster Addresses Comparisons With Brazilian Legend Cafu

Liverpool youngster Jon Flanagan admits he is flattered by recent Cafu comments, after the Brazil legend praised the Reds right-back on his Twitter account.

Flanagan has taken advantage of Glen Johnson's absences through injuries this season to became a consistent back-up for the England man, starting 10 Premier Leage games and even scoring a goal in the crucial game against Tottenham.

Cafu, who is considered by some pundits as the best right-back of all time, recently told his Twitter followers: "I have fan tweets who say Red Cafu is Flanagan at Liverpool. I must watch more Premier League games to see both!"

Asked about Cafu's comparisons in an interview with Liverpool's official website, Flanaga said: "He's a legend in the game, so hopefully I can keep improving and maybe one day reach the top like he did.

"There's been a few comments going around the training ground about that. But it's just brilliant having him commenting. To see a tweet from Cafu, someone I've looked up to, a brilliant right-back all of his life for Brazil, AC Milan and others - for him to comment on me is amazing really.

"You think: is it real and did he really tweet that? It's a great boost for me. Some fans call me stuff, some fans call me other stuff! But for him to notice me and say he's going to watch me is just brilliant."

At the same time, Flanagan reveals the huge influence that captains Steven Gerrard and former Red Jamier Carragher have on Liverpool's young players.

"Every day in training, I look to follow Stevie. He gives me inspiration every day and just to train with him is brilliant for me.

"When Carragher was here, he was a big inspiration and he's been a big help to me on my journey so far. I'm working hard every day. The manager is telling me what to do and what not to do. I think my game has improved as well."