Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers revealed that his side are in good shape to face Derby opponents Everton and also hinted that Daniel Sturridge could finally start his first game in six months.
Rodgers said, “I think Everton have had their first win in eight games, so I can only talk about our momentum.
“It is at a real good level. We’re playing well, the balance of the team is good and we need to keep focused. These go so fast, they’re full of emotion. Sometimes form can go out of the window in derbies. But we’re going into it in a real good moment.”
The game will be Steven Gerrard’s last Derby game unless he comes back in the future and Rodgers said that Gerrard’s impact in these games have been such that Everton will be happy to see him depart, I’m sure Everton fans will be glad to see the back of Steven Gerrard. He’s been incredible for this club.
Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has made two substitute appearances in the last two games and could start in the Derby. Rodgers did not confirm anything but hinted that he could start with him after some assessment in the coming few days, “Every player wants to play, not just Daniel. You go into each game and every player that gets paid here at the football club wants to play.
Daniel is coming along very well. It’s not that he won’t start, [but] we need to analyse that over the next couple of days. We shall see.”
Rodgers also gave an update about those who did not face Bolton, “We’ll see tomorrow [on Markovic]. Dejan Lovren and Mario Balotelli were out for last night, Lucas Leiva was out as well.
“We’ll see. There’s nobody definitely ruled out, but we’ll see how they are tomorrow.”
Emre Can has added balance to the Liverpool defense, feels Rodgers
After an injury-ravaged opening few months, German u21 international Emre Can has finally forced his way into the team, but as a center back. Can has added a sense of stylish defending to the Liverpool defense, something that was missing since the departure of Daniel Agger.
Can has been an excellent ball playing center back for the Reds and the game against Bolton underlines the fact.
Rodgers said, “He’s really helped solidify the team and given real good balance to the side.
“His positional sense for a young player is very, very good. He’s got a great view of the game, understands the game tactically very well, he’s strong and has got good stature.
“I always like to have at least one midfield player in my squad who I know can play from behind as well. Emre can do that.
“I’d seen him before playing at centre-half in a four, so I know he is comfortable to play in that position. He’s offered real good balance, is tactically very good for such a young player and in the future will go on and show he’s a top midfield player also.”