Saturday, January 24, 2009

Arbeloa: Kids Keeping Us On Our Toes

Alvaro Arbeloa believes there is a new generation of Liverpool players in the club's youth ranks ready to keep him and his teammates on their toes.

Youngsters like Emiliano Insua, Stephen Darby, Jay Spearing and Martin Kelly have established themselves in the first-team squad this season, and Arbeloa recognises the importance of developing young talent as well as splashing the cash on established stars.

He doesn't think it will be long before the talented crop of youngsters are pushing the senior players for a regular berth in the first XI.

"It's important that the young players at Liverpool are training with the first team as is happening now," the 25-year-old told the official LFC Magazine.

"They are improving and they are getting their chances in the first team.

"The development of Darby, Spearing, Plessis and Kelly is crucially important for Liverpool.

"You cannot buy players every transfer window. You must bring some of your own players through from within to maintain a healthy balance.

"We have got some very good young players here at this club and it would not surprise me at all if they began to force their way into the squads in the next year or so.

"It's good news for everybody."

The Reds defender was in a similar position when he was on the books at the Bernabeu and understands the pressures on emerging talent at a club like Liverpool.

"When I was a Real Madrid player I was in the same situation as they are," said Arbeloa.

"It is not easy trying to force your way into the games but if you have a good attitude, you work hard every day in training and are aware of the areas of your game that you need to strengthen, and work towards doing that, then you can do it."

Now a senior pro, Arbeloa knows he will have to retain the consistency he has shown in the first half of the season to keep his place.

"You anticipate competition for your place at Liverpool. It is good for the health and future of the club. No-one can be too confident about their place in the team," he said.

"You always have to play at a high level. I know that Darby is going to join Philipp Degen when he is fit and both of them will push me hard for my position."

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