Jose Enrique
Jose Enrique is confident that Liverpool can play like Spain under Brendan Rodgers. Liverpool FC

Liverpool wing-back Jose Enrique is confident the Reds can play like world and European champions Spain, under new manager Brendan Rodgers. The Northern Irish tactician, who was unveiled as the new Anfield boss last month, earned plaudits from pundits and fans last season for the attractive style of play he deployed at former club Swansea City.

Enrique feels there are plenty of similarities between Liverpool's pre-season training and the possession football approach of La Roja and also praised Rodgers for scheduling more routines with the ball than the usual long-distance running sessions.

"I am really happy. For me it is the best way to play football, like Spain did, that's why they are the best at the moment. With the manager we play with the ball a lot and we are really happy with him. I'm really impressed. I know how he likes to play because we played against Swansea last year and I've seen them many times," the club's official Web site quoted Enrique as saying.

"He has only had a week with us but the training has been great. He is talking to both the young and experienced players the same, and I love that because it is really important to have the same treatment for both. The training is all with the ball, what more do you want? It's really hard, but it's very good. We have good players here to play in this way, and I think this season we can impress," the 26-year-old pointed out.

Liverpool will get their new league campaign underway at West Bromwich Albion on 18 August.

Laudrup Keen on Allen Stay

Meanwhile, new Swansea boss Michael Laudrup has played down speculation over midfielder Joe Allen's future by insisting the 22-year-old is part of his plans for next season. Allen is understood to be a target for Liverpool with Rodgers thought to be keen to reunite with the Swans star and Laudrup, who replaced Rodgers last month, revealed no bid had been received yet.

"I want Joe to stay here because he is very important for the team. As far as I know, we have heard nothing from Liverpool. If it is more than just rumours then I'm sure the chairman will talk to me about it. Of course we want to keep our most important players and I would not welcome any interest in my best players. But it is a part of the game," ESPN quoted the Dane as saying.