Dossena Relishes Azzurri Role

Liverpool full-back Andrea Dossena has finally broke into the Nazionale and played the full 90 minutes in Sofia. He explains to Tuttomercatoweb how he ended up in England this summer.

The 27-year-old moved to Anfield over the summer after a breakthrough season at Udinese and was given the nod by Marcello Lippi to control the left channel in the World Cup qualifier with Bulgaria at the Levski Stadium, due to a spate of injuries that have hit the national side, including Lyon's left-back Fabio Grosso.

"I strongly want to keep my place in this squad and keep movng on," he told the website specialized in transfer gossips.

Dossena has met up with several former Udinese teammates at Coverciano, as Lippi opted to put trust in the Friulani attacking trident, with Fabio Quagliarella now also joining debutant Simone Pepe and diminutive marksman Antonio Di Natale for the Stadio Via Del Mare game with Montenegro next Wednesday.

"Pepe has improved a lot and he has lots of qualities," he enthused.

"As for Totò [Di Natale], we linked up well at the Stadio Friuli, I know what he will be trying to do before the ball even gets to him."

It was suggested that other Italian clubs were in the frame to land Dossena over the summer, such as Fiorentina, but he plumped for an experience abroad in the end.

"Liverpool are a prestigious club and I was willing to try my hand in England," he asserted.

"I don't really think the Viola approached my agent, and to tell you the truth, I am somewhat astounded that Italian sides did not make a move for me."

Reds Rubbish Stadium Rumours

Liverpool have dismissed rumours they have shelved plans to move to a new stadium and are looking to expand Anfield.

Reports had suggested the club's American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett are struggling to raise the funds to finance a switch to a new ground in Stanley Park.

The Reds confess the New LFC Stadium has been affected by the current worldwide credit crunch, but a statement on the club's official website insists plans are still in place.

"The story is completely wrong" said a club spokesman.

"No-one has been asked to look at increasing the capacity of Anfield with a view to us staying at the present ground.

"Global market conditions may have delayed the project, but the club remains committed to building a new world class LFC stadium on the site in Stanley Park. Those plans have not changed."

Foreign Invasion Worries Carragher

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has gone public with his concern at the growing number of foreign players coming through the academy ranks of professional clubs, believing that it could be demoralising for the home-grown talent hoping to make their way in the game.

Over the last decade the number of overseas players plying their trade in England has rocketed, and with an increasing number of clubs in the Premier League currently owned by foreign investors, that figure could continue to grow.

At Liverpool, Steven Gerrard is the last English player to break into - and earn a regular place - within the first-team, and Carragher believes that the almost 10-year drought will continue should clubs fail to look to develop players themselves rather than cashing in on overseas clubs’ hard work.

This is a view shared by Uefa President Michel Platini, while the head of Fifa, Sepp Blatter, is another to concur with the belief that clubs should look to produce home-grown players rather than importing them.

"The foreign player issue has to be addressed. At all clubs,” Carragher told the Sunday Times. "Don't get me wrong, good foreigners are great for the Premier League but what worries me is when we get foreign kids in at 16, 17.

"There has to be something to stop that, to help clubs keep their identities. I think about when I was that age. If I'd been 18 and Liverpool had brought the Spain Under 18 captain into my position it would have been deflating.

"I always thank my stars I came in just as the foreign invasion was starting. I wasn't Stevie (Gerrard) at 18. I was a very good player and would have always had the mental strength to take my opportunity, but I wonder whether I'd have been given it.

"I don't know when the next Liverpool lad will break into our first-team and I don't think the academy system is what it should be."

The experienced defender also took the opportunity to reiterate his desire to see out his career at Anfield, insisting that he only has ambitions to play for his home-town club.

"For someone to ask, 'Who did you play for?' and to be able to answer a single name, 'Liverpool', that would be brilliant. I don't think I'll ever leave," he added.

Carragher also shed some light on manager Rafe Benitez’s man-management style, insisting that the harsh nature of his control is for the benefit of the team.

"Rafa is always on your back," the former England international continued.

"Some players can't handle that. Me, I don't like it but I'm the sort of person who responds.

"You've always got that thing in the back of your mind with Rafa, 'Does he actually think I'm any good?' You're always wanting to prove yourself. He hasn't got much good to say about anyone, Rafa. . . even other managers.

"He's the person who always thinks he knows best for you - and is usually right. There are times you want to tell him to . . . but later you think, 'That was good for me'."

Carragher: We're Not Hull, Benitez Is Turning Liverpool Into Baresi's Milan

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher is surprised at the reaction to the Reds start to the Premiership campaign, with the player insisting that the Merseyside club should expect them to be where they are.

Rafa Benitez’s side are joint-top of the Premiership with Chelsea on 17 points after seven games, which is Liverpool’s best ever start to a Premier League season and has seen them talked about as genuine title contenders.

However, while Carragher is happy with Liverpool’s good start the former England International has claimed that the Reds should be there and they are not surprise package Hull City.

“People should stop saying we've made a great start, though,” Carragher said on the club’s official website.

“I'm thinking, 'We've only played seven games and we're Liverpool. Shouldn't we be up there? Am I missing something?' We're not Hull.

“If we're still up there in March we can talk about it, until then we'll focus on doing our best in every game. Actions speak louder than words.”

Far away from being compared to the Tigers, Carragher reveals that Benitez has taken the defence at Anfield to a new level and is trying to impose the style of Franco Baresi’s AC Milan.

“Rafa has taken defence to another level," he added.

“He goes into every detail, tiny little things like body positions, how to react when the opposition use different formations. Basically, he's trying to copy the AC Milan of Franco Baresi.

“He can change systems five times in a game. In Robbie Keane's first match he ended up on the left wing because Rafa noticed something about Lazio which made him want three in the middle – and that was just a friendly.”

Agger Scores As 12 Reds Feature

Daniel Agger scored a penalty as Denmark beat Malta 3-0 in their latest World Cup qualifier.

The 23-year-old, who was one of 12 Reds involved in international action on Saturday night, netted on 28 minutes during a 90 minute outing.

Israel skipper Yossi Benayoun also converted a penalty as they beat Luxembourg 3-1.

Elsewhere, both Fernando Torres and Xabi Alonso lasted the pace in Estonia as Spain prevailed 3-0. Albert Riera came on for the last 12 minutes.

Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel started as supporting wingers for Holland, who won 2-0 in Iceland. The latter was replaced after 69 minutes.

Steven Gerrard played all 90 minutes of England's 5-1 victory over Kazakhstan, while midfield partner Javier Mascherano did the same as Argentina beat Uruguay 2-1.

Andrea Dossena also lasted the pace after starting for Italy in Bulgaria. The left-back helped keep a clean sheet but the evening ended in a disappointing goalless draw.

Sami Hyypia played the entire game as Finland recorded a 1-0 win over Azerbaijan, while Nabil El Zhar was substituted after 80 minutes as Morocco thrashed Mauritania 4-1.

'Pool Target Already Unsettled Bentley?

According to reports, Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is ready to raid Tottenham in January for David Bentley, a recent summer signing.

White Hart Lane was the place to be this summer, with several high-profile stars signing up for Juande Ramos' Lilywhites revolution.

Now, it's the place to leave after a shockingly poor start to a season which was supposed to end with Champions League football.

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez, though, is hoping to profit from his countryman Ramos' misfortune. He found David Bentley's £15million price-tag excessive in the summer and allowed the ambitious winger to move from Blackburn to Spurs.

However, according to The People, Rafa believes Spurs will be forced to give him up for less in January, especially considering the 24-year-old's unhappiness at present.

Underperforming Bentley was axed from the latest England squad as Spurs languish in the Premiership drop-zone. The man touted as the 'new David Beckham' is far from living his dream, it would appear.

In fact, Bentley has blamed Ramos for his England snub and has admitted to feeling humiliated by Spurs' dismal early form.

It remains to be seen whether Bentley will cut his losses and seek an Anfield switch, or show some character by helping to dig the capital side out of their rut.

Fernando Torres Speaks Of Delight At Awards Nomination

FERNANDO TORRES has declared his delight at being named among the favourites to win this year's European footballer of the year award – admitting he never thought it would happen.

Liverpool’s Spanish striker is among several of the world's best players up for the award, including Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo.

But Torres insists he thought the Ballon d'Or was for players “from another galaxy” and that winning the title would be like “climbing to the top of Everest and touching the sky”.

He said: “When I have watched the Ballon d'Or presentation on television I saw the likes of Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldinho and Kaka.

“I told myself that trophy was for players from another galaxy - now I am among the candidates, and I cannot believe it.

“Winning the award would be like climbing to the top of Everest and touching the sky.”

After scoring 33 goals in his debut season at Anfield, Torres said his form has been down to how well he has settled.

He added: “I am at ease in England. I wanted to play there so strongly, to discover the Premier League.

“At Liverpool I have started a second life. It is great.”

Torres also strengthened his claims with the starring role he played as Spain won Euro 2008, scoring the winning goal in the final against Germany.

Liverpool Owe Successful Start To Rafa Benitez, Says Alvaro Arbeloa

Alvaro Arbeloa believes Liverpool's success this term is down to Rafa Benitez's no-nonsense approach.

Defender Arbeloa insists the Reds' start - they are joint top on 17 points along with Chelsea - could not have happened without Benitez constantly getting on his players' backs to perform.

He said: "Although we are winning, Rafa asks us for more and more. He insists you cannot relax if you want to win a league as hard as this one."

Arbeloa was linked with a summer move, but he says he could not be happier that he opted to stay at Anfield. He added: "I am now living the best moments I have had since I came to Liverpool."

Carra: We Understand What It Takes

Jamie Carragher believes he and his teammates now have a better understanding of what it takes to win the league – but he wishes everyone would 'stop talking about our great start'.

The 30-year-old points to the way 10-man Liverpool launched a last-minute smash and grab on Man City as proof they now have the killer instinct to be contenders.

The result sealed our best ever start to a Premier League campaign but, despite recognising some positive signs, Carragher is keen to keep things in perspective.

"We scored the winning goal after Martin Skrtel went off and it was 10 v 10," said the vice-captain. "We had no centre-back, it was just me.

"We could easily have dropped Xabi Alonso back but a few lads said, 'No, we'll keep men forward and go for it. We're aware, now, you've got to go for wins in this league. Draws kill you.

"People should stop saying we've made a great start, though. I'm thinking, 'We've only played seven games and we're Liverpool. Shouldn't we be up there? Am I missing something?' We're not Hull. If we're still up there in March we can talk about it, until then focus on doing our best in every game. Actions speak louder than words."

Meanwhile, Carragher has revealed some of the defensive secrets which have helped Pepe Reina win the Golden Glove award for most Premier League clean sheets three times.

"Rafa has taken defence to another level," said the centre-back. "He goes into every detail, tiny little things like body positions, how to react when the opposition use different formations. Basically, he's trying to copy the AC Milan of Franco Baresi.

"He can change systems five times in a game. In Robbie Keane's first match he ended up on the left wing because Rafa noticed something about Lazio which made him want three in the middle – and that was just a friendly."

Rafa: Kuyt Is The Key

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has paid tribute to Dirk Kuyt who he has claimed is an integral part of his team.

The Dutchman is often criticised for his lack of goals, however he has been finding the back of the net in recent games, much to his manager's delight.

His last minute winner against Manchester City sealed an impressive comeback for the Reds and he also opened the scoring against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.

Yet speaking to Liverpoolfc.tv, the Reds manager explained he was a vital part of the team and how impressed he was by the hard work he put in.

“His teamwork is amazing,” said the Spaniard, “When you talk about a team, that's the most important thing.”

Kuyt’s goal against City was his first in the league since last November and Benitez admitted it was an important goal, not just for the team, but for the player too.

“He was scoring goals in the Champions League and now he's scored in the league. I think it was important for him and in the end it was important for us too,” admitted the Liverpool boss, “Everyone, especially all his teammates, will be really pleased for him because it is amazing how he works every day, every training session and every game.”

Whilst Kuyt was initially signed as a striker, Benitez has employed the Dutchman in a deeper role and he admitted it was a position he performed well. The Spaniard explained: “If you have players with offensive mentality, you need players who can do the ugly jobs. You need to work hard in defence. As a striker, Kuyt is doing his defensive work very well and also scoring important goals.”

Benitez also admitted that whilst Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard usually stole the headlines, Kuyt’s hard work was just as important. He concluded: “Players like Kuyt are key. You can use the quality of people like Fernando Torres or Steven Gerrard, but you always need players working really hard.”

Fernando Torres Could Leave Liverpool If Rafa Benitez Isn't Given New Deal

Liverpool's failure to offer Rafa Benitez a new contract is offering encouragement to rival clubs that Fernando Torres can be prised from Anfield.

Manchester City have been linked to a bid, following summer speculation that Chelsea also wanted Torres.

There hasn't been any hint from Torres or his advisers that he has any interest in a move. But there is concern among Liverpool's Spanish contingent that their manager's long-term future has not yet been secured.

Liverpool's fans also fear American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett may have to cash in on their most prized asset because of credit-crunch pressures and their failure to secure financing for the proposed new stadium at Stanley Park.

The Americans have to find about £20million every year just to service the £250m debts they took out to buy the club.

Sunday Mirror Sport reported last month that Liverpool had failed to deliver on Hicks's promise to hand Benitez (below) a new deal. In a strange twist to the saga, a source close to the Texan said all questions regarding the manager's future should now be directed to chief executive Rick Parry.

"Tom has asked me to pass back any enquiries regarding the manager to the club and Rick Parry," said the spokesman.

That represents a major U-turn on Hicks's stance earlier this year, when his call for Parry to step down from his position was backed up by the vow to extend Benitez's contract by a further 12 months.

One theory is that the Americans are now resigned to selling the club after months of fighting off interest from Dubai International Capital and want to leave Benitez's future in the hands of new owners.

But with Juventus now keeping tabs on Benitez's situation as the pressure on current coach Claudio Ranieri increases, which would be a major gamble to take.

It's a policy that also threatens to cause unrest in the dressing-room and undermine Liverpool's excellent start to the season.

Torres showed City last week what a reported £200,000-a-week salary would buy, scoring twice as the Reds came from 2-0 down to win at Eastlands.

City have since distanced themselves from claims in Spain that they made contact with Liverpool.

But agents claiming to be working on behalf of the Blues did make enquiries about Torres's availability - and were rebuffed by the player.

Yet while Benitez's future remains unclear it is likely that those clubs coveting Torres will not go away.

Liverpool Youngster Set For Latics Switch

Liverpool under 18`s captain Joe Kennedy is currently training with Wigan Athletic giving Latics boss Steve Bruce the opportunity to cast his eye over the 17 year old centre back with a view to a permanent switch to the JJB.

Kennedy is in his 2nd year with Liverpool and highly regarded by youth manager Hugh McAuley who says:

'Joe is a local lad and the captain. He came a long way in his first year with us last season. His game improved tremendously and he is very quick for his size.

'Joe works hard in training and there is a real honesty about his game. He always tries hard and gives 100 per cent. He is an example to the young players here both in terms of attitude and behaviour on and off the field.'

Dubai Retain Liverpool Interest Despite Charlton Talks

Liverpool could still end up in the hands of Dubai's ruling family regardless of their proposed takeover of Charlton.

The Championship club last week announced the receipt on an indicative offer from Zabeel Investments. The involvement of Sheikh Hamdan Al-Maktoum, son of Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed, has been interpreted as the termination of the long standing pursuit of Liverpool.

Dubai, however, remains intent on buying Liverpool whenever the club's current owners are prepared to sell. Tom Hicks and George Gillett rejected an offer in the region of £500m earlier this year, but remain under pressure to fund the debt with which they purchased the club and to obtain finance for a new stadium.

'Nothing has changed,' said a source. 'The Maktoums still intend to takeover Liverpool and the possible purchase of Charlton certainly has no bearing on it."

Liverpool Eye Cavenaghi

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is reportedly set to test Bordeaux’s resolve with a £13 million bid for Fernando Cavenaghi, though the French-club remain committed to retaining the striker’s services.

The Argentina international has been a huge hit at the club since his move in January 2007 following a disappointing spell in Russia with Spartak Moscow, netting 22 goals in 35 matches last term and, famously, 10 times in 9 games during a purple patch.

And while Reds manager Benitez has a number of options at his disposal in the striking department, the former Valencia boss is reportedly keen to offload Dirk Kuyt to make way for a more prolific goalscorer to ease the pressure on Fernando Torres.

How much money Benitez has at his disposal when the transfer window re-opens on 1st January remains to be seen, though Cavenaghi’s price could rocket should other clubs become embroiled in a tug-of-war.

The 25-year old is thought to be keen on a move to England, joining compatriots such as Carlos Tevez and Liverpool’s Javier Mascherano in the Premier League.

Tom Hicks & George Gillett Told: Put Real Money Into Liverpool FC

THE fans group which wants to buy Liverpool today challenged the club’s American owners to put ‘some real money’ into Anfield and fend off potentially devastating debts over coming years.

The ShareLiverpoolFC group, which has announced ambitious plans for a Barcelona-style buyout at Anfield with supporters – or organised groups of them – each owning a stake in the club, has conducted its own analysis of Anfield’s finances.

The study comes in the wake of the recent credit crunch – blamed by Tom Hicks and George Gillett for their halting of plans to build a new stadium – and the global banking crisis.

It also follows calls this week by UEFA president Sepp Blatter for controls on the foreign ownership of football clubs, and comments by the FA chairman Lord Triesman and UEFA’s general secretary David Taylor, regarding the excessive debts held by Premier League clubs.

Share Liverpool’s founder Rogan Taylor, a lifelong Liverpool fan, says the probe has raised serious questions about the Reds financial stability, given its dependency on borrowed cash – and the need to find over £20m a year plus to service interest payments on loans lumped onto the books by the owners.

ShareLiverpoolFC is supported by Anfield legends including Phil Thompson, John Barnes and John Aldridge and also has established close working links with the fans union the Spirit of Shankly.

In a statement released today, it said: “Even if the current RBS loan is extended beyond Jan ‘09, under the current arrangement it will only be until July, 2009.

“With both American owners unable to raise money for the stadium, in today’s financial climate, can they raise more ‘real’, unleveraged money to restructure the loan and keep the club afloat?

“If the football bubble bursts, could the loans secured against LFC become sub prime and put the club at risk?

“Kop Football Ltd has to find £20m plus to service the debt of £245m.

“How will the debt be serviced?

“Can the owners assure us that Kop Football’s indebtedness is not to be serviced by the club? If it is, how can the club pay it?”

Said Dr Taylor: “This is not a comfortable position to be in at a time when the game’s regulators are calling for a reduction in debt and foreign ownership – not to mention the effects of the global credit crunch.

SLFC board member, Barrie Baxter, added: “ShareLiverpoolFC already represents thousands of fans prepared to invest real money into the club.

“Raising the required funds won’t be the issue once we have a deal in prospect.

“We’re confident we’ll be able to succeed. We are prepared to consider a partnership with any incoming buyer with the right attitude to the development of LFC going forward.

“After the experience with the current owners, it will be important for any new owner to ensure that they have the confidence of Liverpool fans.

“We call on the current owners to inject cash as capital to reduce the club’s debt.

“If they are unwilling or unable to do this, then they should move over and let others that can better serve the club take control.”

ShareLiverpoolFC’s long term objective is to gain control of the club. However, in the medium term, its strategy is to work with suitable new investors to help achieve a change of ownership, stabilise the club’s finances and represent the fans interests by acquiring a stake in the club.

ShareLiverpoolFC believes its participation in the future will assist with this.

It says its message to potential new owners of “their” club is: “Come and talk to us; you need the fans behind you and this is no ordinary club.

“We understand it and have the experience to help”.

The group is still urging supporters who wish to get involved in taking a stake in its planned fans buyout to contact them via their website - www.shareliverpoolfc.co.uk.

JOHN ALDRIDGE COLUMN: Why I'm Amazed By Liverpool's Grit

IT’S amazing that four times already this season Liverpool have fought back from behind to win - and on each occasion the opposition began with the letter M!

For me it highlights the guts and determination Rafa Benitez has instilled in his players.

At half-time against Manchester City I didn’t think there was any way back. We had been really poor in the first half and City deserved their two-goal lead.

But once Fernando Torres pulled one back, the momentum was with us and the shocking challenge on Xabi Alonso which saw City's Pablo Zabaleta sent off provided another boost.

In the end Torres and Dirk Kuyt ensured it was a memorable day and to come back from 2-0 to win was tremendous.

The comeback wins against Middlesbrough, Manchester United, Marseille and Man City were all impressive in their own way but I would still say the pick of the lot was the United game.

The fact we conceded so early and were all over the shop but then fought back without Gerrard or Torres to beat our big rivals was a massive feat.

I guess after seeing what the lads did in Istanbul three years ago we shouldn’t be surprised at anything, especially when you’ve got players of the quality of Gerrard and Torres in your side.

But the City game did highlight for me one weakness in the team.

In the first half our left hand side was a problem and Fabio Aurelio really struggled at left back.

We’ve also got Andrea Dossena who can play there but I don’t believe he has got to grips with the Premier League yet.

Albert Riera has done well going forward on the left flank. He was our best player in the first half against City but defensively we are vulnerable down that side.

I’ve heard some talk about the right hand side also being a problem but I don’t see it like that.

Okay, Alvaro Arbeloa made a mistake for City’s first and should have been stronger in the tackle but in general he does a decent job defensively. He’s got a good engine and got forward well to put a great cross in for Torres’ first.

The spine of the team looks so strong and with Riera’s tricks on one flank and Kuyt working his socks off on the other it gives us good balance. I just hope all the players away for the internationals come back fit and ready to face Wigan.

MARTIN SKRTEL will be a big loss over the next few months but I guess if there was one area where we could afford to lose someone it’s centre-back.

We’re looking very strong in that department and with Skrtel out there’s the chance for Daniel Agger and Sami Hyypia to force their way back in.

I’ve been really impressed by Skrtel this season. He’s Carra-like in many ways - very determined and not much gets past him.

Agger is very comfortable in possession but when it comes to defending I’d say Skrtel is better.

But he must learn from Sunday as he contributed towards his own injury.

Defenders are told from a very young age not to let the ball bounce - you have to meet it on the full and get rid of it.

But he got himself into all sorts of trouble and had to produce a fantastic tackle to avert the danger.

It was a rare mistake from Skrtel and I’m sure he’ll come back from this injury stronger than ever.

Agger has had to be patient this season but now he’ll get the chance to prove he deserves a place in the side.

Steven Gerrard Will Be Let Off Leash Against Kazakhstan

Steven Gerrard will finally be let off the leash at Wembley today and given a chance to prove he is England's Mr Fantastic.

England boss Fabio Capello yesterday spelt out a clear message that he is determined to get the best out of Liverpool captain Gerrard - and prove that he can play alongside Frank Lampard.

Capello says he can solve the conundrum which has bamboozled previous bosses Steve McClaren and Sven Goran Eriksson, who both refused to give up on the Gerrard-Lampard midfield axis, despite mixed results.

Chelsea midfielder Lampard admitted earlier this week that his partnership with Gerrard has not worked regularly for England and was partly to blame for them not reaching Euro 2008.

Gerrard has also been left frustrated, claiming that he has only played in his favourite position just five times in 68 games for England.

Gerrard has - despite Capello saying otherwise - started four times under the Italian and has played all over midfield. That has certainly helped restrict Gerrard, who has consistently struggled to reach the heights for England despite becoming irreplaceable for Liverpool while establishing a reputation as one of the best midfielders in the world.

Gerrard may even count himself lucky that injury to Joe Cole meant that Capello was unable to keep the winning team which thrashed Croatia in Zagreb last month, when the Liverpool midfielder was out injured.

But Gerrard's return has once again left Capello facing the old dilemma as to whether Gerrard and Lampard can play together.

And despite all their failings in the past, Capello insists that he is the man to make it work.

Furthermore, Capello also says that he will play Gerrard in his best position against Kazakhstan - even though he would not say exactly what that is.

Capello says today's World Cup qualifier at Wembley is a new beginning for Gerrard.

And the coach has almost made it his personal challenge to ensure that England get the best out of arguably their most naturally-gifted player. Capello said last night: "I think Steven Gerrard is a fantastic player.

"He has played with me in three games so far and, tomorrow, I think you will see the position Gerrard plays because it'll be a very important position on the field.

"Yes, it is his long-term position. It depends on the games, always. And the opponents. Sometimes he can play in one position, sometimes in another.

"But I think I know the best position for Gerrard. You will see (tomorrow).

"For me he can play in two or three positions. But, it depends on the game which one he plays in.

I didn't read his comments and I don't know how many games he's played exactly.

"But he's only played three times with me. I hope that three of these five games were with me!

"He played where I think it's better for him, always. I try, throughout my career, my style is to put the players in the best position for them to play better and at 100 per cent in the team."

The Gerrard and Lampard axis has not worked in the past and has become a tired old problem for England. But Capello insists he is the man to make it work and says Gerrard and the in-form Chelsea man are good enough to play together, although that seems a rather familiar argument.

Capello added: "I hope so. But, also, I'm sure that fantastic players have to play together, in my opinion. I don't know why they haven't worked before.

"I think, with me, they've played only three or two games together. The past is not my problem. I think about the future.

"He has to play like when he plays with Liverpool, the same. He's one of the 11 players on the pitch.

"We win and we lose together, always. He's an important player, for sure, but he's only one of the 11."

Fabio Capello: ‘Steven Gerrard Is Hub Of England Team’

FABIO CAPELLO has vowed to build his England revolution around Steven Gerrard – starting against Kazakhstan this afternoon.

Gerrard is expected to play an integral role as the Italian’s team aim to continue their 100% start to their World Cup qualifying group six at Wembley.

The Liverpool midfielder missed the 4-1 victory in Croatia last month through injury, prompting talk of the 28-year-old being left on the bench with Frank Lampard and Gareth Barry having impressed in central midfield in Zagreb.

But Capello has revealed Gerrard will step straight back into the team for his 69th cap in a role the England coach envisions as the player’s long-term position.

“I think Steven Gerrard is a fantastic player,” said Capello yesterday. “For tomorrow, I think you will see Gerrard in a very important position on the field, his long-term position.

“Of course, it depends on the games and the opponents, and he can play in two or three positions. But I think I know the best position for Gerrard and you will see tomorrow.”

Gerrard will today once again be asked to work in tandem with Lampard, leaving Barry taking responsibility for defensive duties in midfield.

And Capello thinks he has found a way to solve the puzzle of why two world-class talents have seemed so ill-at-ease together.

“Yes, I hope so,” said the Italian. “But, also, I’m sure that fantastic players have to play together, in my opinion. I don’t know why they haven’t worked before.

“I think, with me, they’ve played only three or two games together. The past is not my problem. I think about the future. I’ve experienced things like this in the past a lot of times. At Milan, Juventus and sometimes in Madrid. It was always with the forwards, not with the midfielders.

“But it’s not a problem for me. I prefer good players. I prefer to have good players. I prefer to have players of this quality.”

Gerrard has been employed by club manager Rafael Benitez either in an attacking role behind Fernando Torres or in his preferred role of orthodox central midfielder.

Last month, the player estimated that he has only been used in his favoured position on five occasions while with his country.

But Capello said: “I didn’t read about him talking about not playing in his favourite position, but he’s always played for me as a midfielder. I hope that three of these five games were with me!

“I always play him where I think it’s better for him.

“Throughout my career, my style is to put the players in the best position for them to play better and at 100% in the team.

“He has to play like when he plays with Liverpool.”

Youngsters Aiming For Sixth Straight Win

Liverpool's academy side will be looking for their sixth straight league victory when they travel to take on Blackburn Rovers later today.

The under-18s men have already taken maximum points off Nottingham Forest, Newcastle, Sheffield Wednesday, Crewe and Wolves in an impressive five match winning streak - but coach Hughie McAuley is expecting nothing less than a stern test in Lancashire.

"Games against Blackburn are always similar," he told Liverpoolfc.tv. "They are a hard, physical side who will be encouraged to pass the ball now that Paul Ince is involved with the club.

"From our point of view we need to get the ball down and play composed football. If we do that then we know we can be a match for anyone.

"We've had a good run of late but we are aware we have been starting games slowly. Without wanting to make the boys over anxious about it, we'll be stressing to them before the game - just as we do during the week - about the importance of making a good start."

The match will doubtless be an extra special occasion for Liverpool youngster Thomas Ince, whose father - himself a former Anfield midfielder - is now in charge at Ewood Park.

"I am sure Thomas is looking forward to it because of the family ties," added McAuley. "But when the game kicks off I am sure he will be professional and have no other thought apart from trying to influence the game as best he can."

Juve To Launch Sensational January Bid For Liverpool Captain Gerrard?

Both Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur have moved to dismiss reports on Thursday that La Vecchia Signora are planning to make a move for Spurs midfielder Luka Modric, with the latest reports coming from Italy suggesting that Juve will instead make a sensational bid for England International Steven Gerrard at Liverpool.

The Juve fans have voiced their discontent recently at the Serie A sides mediocre start to the Scudetto, with news that the Italian giants were chasing Modric making the Bianconeri faithful even more disgruntled.

Juventus know that a star signing is needed to appease the fans and are reportedly ready to go all out in January in their attempts to sign the Reds captain.

However, while Juventus know that any bid for 28-year-old Gerrard will be instantly rejected out of hand, but are aware of the financial issues surrounding the Merseyside club in light of the credit crunch and are hoping that Liverpool’s American owners will be tempted to cash in if a huge offer is on the table for their talisman.

Even if the board did accept an offer for Gerrard from Juve, it is highly unlikely that the midfielder would choose to swap Anfield for Turin, with the Reds homegrown star happy to stay at Rafa Benitez’s side.