Alonso gives Keane vote of confidence
Robbie Keane after scoring his first Liverpool goal against PSV Eindhoven Photo: Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty Images
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Friday October 03 2008
XABI ALONSO says that the rest of the Liverpool dressing room had full faith in Robbie Keane before he broke his duck against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday night.
The Irish skipper finally got off the mark in his 11th game for the Reds as they brushed aside their Dutch opponents in the Champions League, but Alonso was already confident that he would prove a success.
"Hopefully a lot more goals will come from Robbie's boot now," the Spanish midfielder told the Irish Independent yesterday.
"He's got everything you need to be successful here in Liverpool and he's never doubted himself and either have we so now he will hopefully get better and better.
"We were all very happy for him on Wednesday because it's always important when you get to a new club that you score that first goal.
"It takes time to settle wherever you go, but apart from the goal, he has been doing a great job and linking very well with the midfield in his position between the lines, so I think he can be really pleased and the manager can be really pleased as well."
Alonso is also of the belief that his fellow countryman Fernando Torres is the right partner for Keane, despite a stuttering start to their relationship.
"Yes, they are looking very well at the moment when they play together -- they showed that against Everton -- but we also have different options and quality in attack which is especially important."
For a period this summer, it looked as though Alonso and Keane would never play together as he was being linked with a move to a variety of suitors to accommodate the arrival of Gareth Barry.
Happy
However, the 26-year-old insists he is happy where he is now -- while acknowledging that he does not know what will happen next summer.
"I am fully committed," said Alonso, speaking as he helped EA Sports launch FIFA '09.
"I'm thinking about game to game rather than thinking about what may happen at the end of the season.
"From my point of view, I'm pleased, I'm playing a lot and I'm feeling quite well, and aside from the setback against Stoke, we have been very consistent."
"There's competition for places, but I know that if I keep playing well then I will play a lot of games and do the best for the team, that's the most important thing."
Meanwhile, Alonso -- who knows plenty about Ireland having spent a month in Kells during his teens -- has backed former Liverpool team-mate Steve Finnan to thrive at Espanyol once he overcomes his injury woes.
"Yes, of course I think he can do well. You have to make an effort to adapt to a new situation, a new language and a new country. He will have to make that effort but from what I know of Steve, I think he will.
"He's gone to a great city and a nice club, so when he gets fit he'll have all the support he needs so I'm sure everything will go well for him."
- Daniel McDonnell
