Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says his first-choice players have been playing so well to the point they have prevented some of his fringe players from getting playing time.
Prior to his inclusion in Liverpool’s starting line-up at the KC Stadium today (Sunday), on-loan forward Victor Moses has only made substitute appearances for the Merseyside outfit in their last three matches against Everton, Fulham and Arsenal and recently spoke about wanting more of a run in the team.
The 22-year-old has scored just once since his deadline day move from Chelsea. Nevertheless, the player, who was recently named the Nigerian Footballer of the Year, is aware he has to be patient to get his chances.
Rodgers believes Moses and others like him have every opportunity to feature for the side when the time is right.
“The boy (Moses) has been really happy here. Of course he wants to play but the team has been doing very well and the change in structure meant him coming out of the team.
“Victor is a talent and is happy to be in the squad, he wants to improve and I communicate regularly with him. He has never said a bad word about Liverpool since he’s been here.
“Him and the other players have every opportunity to play because I assess them in training and pick my team from that,” Rodgers was quoted in the English media as saying.
Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge have formed one of the most formidable partnerships in the Premier League this season, but Rodgers is well aware he will need some sort of squad rotation going into the busy month of December.
Not everyone in the team can play all week; lot others in Rodgers’ squad can testify to that. Last season’s young star Raheem Sterling has played a bit-part role this season, summer signing Luis Alberto has come on as a substitute along the line while even the experienced Kolo Toure and £16m centre-back Mamadou Sakho have likewise played second-fiddle.
“I always say that it’s the hardest part of my job,” the Northern Irishman added. “I recognize with the players and acknowledge to them that with just one game a week it’s difficult.
“So it’s my job to help them and show that there’s a pathway for them here at the club. For me it was very important to establish a culture of work on a daily basis and that’s what we have got from the players.
“They come in to work hard and I’ll always reward players who do that. There’s no rocket science behind it- you’ve got to come in and work hard and earn your money.
“And that’s what the players are doing. Every single day they give everything and that puts them in with a chance of playing. It’s the players who pick the team really.”
Moses has made 11 appearances for the Anfield club in both league and cup competitions this season.
