[lfc-news] Morientes shows he has the Anfield work ethic - Post

Liverpool Daily Post, 27 Jan 2005
Morientes shows he has the Anfield work ethic
By Andy Hunter, Daily Post

WHILE THE continued excellence of Steven Gerrard drew the plaudits after
Liverpool's comfortable passage into the Carling Cup final, it was the
performance of another born winner that caught the captain's eye.

Fernando Morientes is still searching for his first real opportunity in
a Liverpool shirt following his £6.3million move from Real Madrid, let
alone a goal, but at Watford on Tuesday there was increased evidence the
wait will not be long.

Though short of match fitness the Spanish international has showed
enough awareness and presence around opposition penalty areas to suggest
he will prove an astute purchase by Rafael Benitez.

Gerrard already has no doubt that is the case.

The Liverpool skipper appreciated Morientes at even closer quarters at
Vicarage Road where he was deployed in an attacking role just behind the
28-year-old, and responded with the only goal of the semi-final.

And he admits: "I think Fernando can help me in terms of goals with his
link-up play, but more importantly he will help the team.

"Considering he hasn't played much football since the Champions League
final with Monaco last season I think he has done well.

"No disrespect to Neil Mellor and Florent Sinama-Pongolle because they
are young lads, learning the game and trying to improve. And when you
look at some of the matches this season then they have played huge
parts, but I think as soon as we lost (Djibril) Cisse we needed someone
who was proven at this level."

Gerrard was quick to hail Morientes on his arrival as the kind of
high-calibre signing Liverpool need to make if they are to make up
ground on the leading pack.

And everything he has seen from the centre-forward since has confirmed
that view.

"If you could name the players you would have wanted the club to buy
then Fernando's would have been up there. I am really pleased we have
got him and think it is a great buy," he added.

"You can see just by some of the little things he does how good he is.
It might just be a pass or the run he makes. I think the fans will
really love him.

What has impressed me is that he has won all these medals, but he
doesn't play for himself. He is brave and works hard for the team.

"You saw him chasing back in the final minutes against Watford trying to
win back the ball.

"When you consider his goals record I think it is only a matter of time
before he clicks. I have been impressed so far, he is quality and he is
not even fit yet.

"I hope he can make a big difference for us over the coming months
because he will score goals."

It is not surprising that Gerrard has been attracted by Morientes's team
ethic. According to Ray Lewington, the defeated Watford manager, it is a
quality that resonates from the Liverpool captain himself.

"The thing with Gerrard is that he works so hard," said Lewington.

"It is not just about the individual with him, it is about doing it for
the team. And when you have an individual like Gerrard you can always
score a goal."

The skipper, meanwhile, is now anxious to ensure that Morientes, along
with all new Liverpool signings, does not only settle in on the pitch.

Gerrard revealed: "I roomed with Fernando at Watford, so I am getting to
know him. He is quite quiet really, no airs or graces about him.

"We have got him involved in the card schools and the lads will be going
out for a meal with him and Mauricio Pellegrino and Scott Carson.

"The lads are brilliant for that, he'll have no trouble settling in
here. It's a great club."


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