Ings' extra training sessions explained
The shrill whistle by Brendan Rodgers that typically calls an end to Liverpool training sessions is rarely the signal for Danny Ings to bring his own work to a conclusion.
Instead, the striker will seek out a member of the coaching staff to remain on the Melwood pitches, with self-improvement in any area his one and only focus.
We saw it during the Reds’ summer tour of Asia and Australia, for example, when Ings paired with first-team development coach Pepijn Lijnders for extra shooting practice.
But it’s a commitment that long preceded Ings’ arrival on Merseyside. In fact, he sees that dedication as a prime factor in getting him a move to Anfield.
“I do the extra work to become better and develop – I’ve always had that motive, from the lower leagues coming up,” he explained in an engaging conversation with national press.
“I think that’s probably one of the biggest reasons why I’ve got to where I am so far.
“I usually do it after training, whether it’s a finishing session with the coaches or specific work they want to do with me. Just to make sure I’m working on all parts of my game that need work. It’s something that I’ve always had and always will have.
“I believe in my own ability and my philosophy is that I know that even when I’m not playing games, I’m still learning every day and becoming better.
“The manager and the staff here want players who want to learn, so I know that this club suits me down to the ground. It’s important that I don’t get disappointed when I’m not starting games because we’ve got a lot of big players.
“All I can do is keep my head down and work hard to become better every day.”
Still only 23, Ings has used his canny knack of hitting the target to progress from the lowest reaches of the professional game in England all the way to Liverpool.
That journey likely contributes to the humility and honesty with which Ings speaks.
His eagerness to learn from those around him was fostered by watching highlights of Thierry Henry on television as an aspiring young player.
The Englishman has continued that studious approach with the Reds as he waits with sharp anticipation for his competitive debut.
Ings said: “I’ve settled in really, really quickly.
“Not just the gaffer, but all of the staff have been fantastic with me, doing that extra work out on the training pitch, which I love doing myself. It has been a good start and I’m looking forward to the future.
“I’m a player that likes to look at other players and learn from them. There are all kinds of different players here with different kinds of talents. So it’s only a positive for me.
“Being at Burnley and playing every week was fantastic and felt great. I knew there was going to be a transition period here where I have to be patient, bide my time and work hard every day to become better to hopefully get my chance soon enough.”
Ings was set to come on in the closing stages of the victory at Stoke City, until Philippe Coutinho arrowed a winner past Jack Butland and altered the circumstances.
The No.28 was therefore involved in a Melwood friendly against TNS the following day, converting a penalty during a 5-1 result that included a hat-trick by Roberto Firmino.
“He’s fantastic, technically gifted and you can see his knowledge of the game a mile off,” Ings reflected.
“He’s an exciting player that I can learn from. His technical ability is fantastic and his movement. I’m sure he’s going to excite a lot of people this season.
“When you’ve got players like [Coutinho and Firmino] behind you, it’s fantastic. At the same time, you need to make sure you’re making those runs otherwise you won’t get the ball. It’s a real pleasure to work with players of that high technical class and ability.”