Liverpool Fans Know Now Why I Wanted Joe Allen – Brendan Rodgers

Wednesday, 10th October, 2012

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has praised midfielder Joe Allen after he won the 2012 Welsh Footballer of the Year award and was quick to point out that the club’s fans can already see why he was bought.

Allen arrived from Rodgers’ former club Swansea City in the summer, with Liverpool splashing out £15M to bring the Wales international to Anfield.

relatedNewsStoryWith the Reds already enjoying a packed engine room, there were question marks over Rodgers’ decision to use precious transfer funds to bring in yet another midfielder, but Allen has excelled, despite Liverpool’s poor start to the Premier League season.

And Rodgers could not be happier with the player the Merseyside giants have captured.

"He’s had an outstanding year, Joe, hence the reason he was one of the key players I wanted to bring in here", the Northern Irishman told his club’s official site.

Rodgers also stressed that he knows the fans now understand just why he was so keen to sign Allen.

"I think the supporters already see what he brings to the team, his bravery and courage with the ball.

"He’s a very humble guy and very respectful – he knows there’s still a lot of work for him to do."

And specifically on the midfielder’s recent honour, the Liverpool manager feels it is a privilege for Allen, especially given the opposition for the accolade.

"It’s a wonderful honour with so many talented Welsh players like Gareth Bale, who has been one of the leading players in the world over the last few years, and also above some of the fantastic Swansea City players. It’s great recognition for all his work in particular in the last 18 months."