Gerrard: Luis & Iago make us stronger
Steven Gerrard is convinced that new signings Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto can be successful at Liverpool – but the skipper insists fans must not burden the duo with too much expectation.
Gerrard will make a return to action for the Reds when they take on an Indonesia XI at the Gelora Bung Karno National Stadium this afternoon, in a game you can watch live on LFC TV Online.
Liverpool's new Spanish recruits will also be eager to play some part in the friendly in Jakarta, and Gerrard is relishing the prospect of watching the pair in action.
He told LFC TV: "The two Spanish lads have settled in really well and I think they will certainly make the squad and the team an awful lot stronger.
"They're both two technicians, very good on the ball and comfortable. You would expect that with them coming from Spain.
"They are two different players - Aspas is a very lively forward who likes to score goals and get shots off. Luis is more of a footballer, a technician who likes to create and pass the ball well.
"I'm really looking forward to seeing how they do, but I suppose they need a little bit more time than the likes of Kolo Toure and Simon Mignolet because they are new to the league. So you've got to bear with them for a little bit longer."
Toure's vast experience was one of the key reasons Brendan Rodgers moved swiftly to recruit his services earlier in the summer, following the departure of long-serving Jamie Carragher.
And while Gerrard is confident the Ivorian will be a fine addition to the squad, he's eager to avoid any Carra comparisons.
"I don't think it's fair on Kolo to put that kind of pressure on him," said the captain. "He's a new player, like anyone else you've got to give him a certain amount of time to settle.
"But he's a very experienced player; he has played at the top for big clubs. I think we've done really well; I think it's a really cute signing from the manager to get him in on a free.
"He's very vocal, he's a leader and he'll certainly help strengthen our back four."
One player who will be desperate to start the game in Jakarta - which fans can still buy tickets for by clicking here - is Jordon Ibe.
The 17-year-old found the net in the opening game of the Reds' pre-season preparations, when he cut inside to fire a low strike past Declan Rudd during the Reds' 4-0 win over Preston at Deepdale.
"There are a couple of young lads who have come in - Ibe scored a wonderful goal yesterday in training and he looks a really bright prospect for the future," said Gerrard. "We've enjoyed the first two weeks but there is still plenty of hard work to go."