Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Ngog Takes Tips From Torres


Fernando Torres has already taken Liverpool's new French teenage striker David Ngog under his wing.

Ngog, 19, joined the club for £1.5million from Paris St Germain last week, and could well make his debut in Wednesday's friendly game against Villarreal - a match that may also see the first appearance of Robbie Keane in a Liverpool shirt.

Ngog reveals that Kop hero Torres and French legend Thierry Henry are his role-models.

Torres has already made sure the youngster is settling into life at Melwood, with an offer of advice and help.

Ngog told liverpoolfc.tv: "I am obviously looking forward to playing and training with a striker of his quality.

"To have someone like that who I can learn from will be great for me. I have already trained with Fernando and he has told me that if there is anything I need, I only have to ask.

"He is such a big star and it's nice that he took the time, but all the players have been similar - including Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher. But Torres is one of my role models."

Another of the forward's idols is Henry, who after an initial settling-in period went on to be one of the Premier League's finest-ever imports.

Ngog said: "I know Henry made a massive impact in England, but I know it will not be easy for me to do the same.

"But I am still young. The French league is very good, they have good defenders there. But in England it is quicker, more intense; it impacts upon you more, physically.

"My qualities are that I am tall and quick, and technically good on the ball, but I still have to adapt to the physical side of the English game. Maybe I can be more aggressive.

"I have spoken to Rafa (Benitez) about how I can progress. He told me how I could learn from some of the other great players who are already here.

"I know I have to work very hard in order to get to the stage where I am playing a lot of games."

He added: "I am really looking forward to wearing the shirt for the first time. It will be a very proud moment for me, and I will try to do my best for this club.

"Liverpool were my English team - I supported PSG in France - and I love this club. I will do my best to prove myself here and to help the team win matches."

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