Liverpool FC fans will love Fabio Borini says Brendan Rodgers
LIVERPOOL FC boss Brendan Rodgers is backing Fabio Borini to become a Kop idol after signing the striker from Roma.
The Northern Irishman has expressed his delight at being reunited with the 21-year-old Italian who he worked with at both Chelsea and Swansea.
Borini has penned a long term deal with the Reds and Rodgers believes he will be a big hit with the club’s supporters
“I was very keen to bring him here,” said Rodgers. “Fabio fits the model of what we’re trying to do in building not only for now, but also for the future.
“He’s a big talent, 21 years of age, he scores goals, and his passion, focus and concentration is a very important part of his game.
“I’ve known him since he had just turned 16. We (Chelsea) took him in from Bologna and he progressed incredibly well as a young player to go on to play for the first team at Chelsea.
“It didn’t work out in terms of he couldn’t agree a contract, but before he left I took him on loan to Swansea and he made a big impression there and really helped us in our promotion charge that season.
“He left and went away (to Roma) and in the last season he’s done incredibly well.
“I think the supporters will love him. He’s a goalscorer, but he’s a multifunctional player who can play in a number of positions – and someone I believe has got great growth.
“He’s one of the few young players in the full Italian squad. I’d anticipate that over the next two or three years he’ll really progress and I’m sure do very well for Liverpool.”
*More on Borini: He's exactly what Reds need says Jan Molby
Borini played eight first team games for Chelsea prior to a loan spell at Swansea towards the end of the 2010/11 season when he scored six goals in 12 appearances.
Rodgers is convinced that experience of English football will stand him in good stead for the challenges ahead.
“I think the adaptation will be much easier,” he said. “I believe he’ll feel as though he’s coming home because his formative years as a young player were here in Britain and the game in this country suits him.
“He’s technically strong, he’s a good finisher with both feet, he can play central or on the sides in a 4-3-3 up front, he’s quick, and he’s tactically very good.
“He is arguably the best physical player I’ve worked with in terms of his pace, power and fitness.
“Mentally, he’s very strong. We’ve got a player who is on the up and someone who I think Liverpool will benefit from.”
Rodgers believes the fact Liverpool were able to lure one of Italy’s brightest prospects to Anfield speaks volumes about the club’s ability to attract players.
“To leave a club like Roma having done very well for them and having just completed a transfer shows the pull we have as a football club,” he added.
“Roma is one of the world’s big clubs so for him to leave there having done very well, and for Roma to fight to get him in, just shows the incredible pull Liverpool Football Club has.
“I don’t want to put any unnecessary pressure on him.
“I believe he’s one who can impact now but he still has a lot of learning, growth and a lot to achieve in the game.
“This is a great environment for him to come into. It’s a coaching environment, and it’s a club which is historic.”
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