Kenny Dalglish full of praise for Raul Meireles after Liverpool's win at Wolves

23 January 2011 15:04
Raul Meireles' rediscovery of something approaching his best form has Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish relishing the prospect of a new attacking midfield combination with returning captain Steven Gerrard.[LNB]The Portugal international's second goal in as many games in the 3-0 victory at Wolves was even better than the swerving drive he hit in last week's Merseyside derby.[LNB]Meireles smashed home a dipping 25-yard volley just after half-time to extend his side's lead after Fernando Torres' opener.[LNB] Looking good: Raul Meireles takes the ball away from Richard Stearman at Molineux[LNB]That Torres doubled his tally with a ninth Barclays Premier League goal in added time was a bonus for the Reds. But for once the Spain international's performance was overshadowed by that of Meireles, who was a deserved man of the match in the advanced midfield role usually occupied by Gerrard having also set up the first goal.[LNB]The England captain will return from a three-match suspension to face Fulham at Anfield on Wednesday, giving Dalglish plenty of creative options in midfield.[LNB]That's more like it: Dalglish is all smiles after his first win since returning[LNB]'It is always helpful. The more thegoals are spread around the more benefit it is for the team,' said the59-year-old Scot, who won his first match in four attempts having takenover from Roy Hodgson, his first victory as Liverpool manager in nearly20 years.[LNB]'We've got our captain coming back on Wednesday night and he is a goalscorer in the middle of the pitch.[LNB]'So if we have got three goalscorers (including Torres) on the pitch we've a chance haven't we?[LNB]'Since I came in Raul has been really impressive.'[LNB]He will not publicly admit it but Dalglish himself has played a significant part in that. Meireles, having been shunted around the team by former boss Roy Hodgson - playing in an orthodox central position and more frequently wide on the right - has been given a more attacking role in all of Dalglish's matches.[LNB]It is no coincidence his best two performances since arriving for £11.7million in late August have come in that short spell.[LNB]'He played well against Everton last week and scored in that game so he's going for the golden boot now I think,' joked Dalglish.[LNB]'He is a good footballer but coming into the Premier League in your first season it is difficult to pick up the pace but I think he is getting there.[LNB]'The fact he missed pre-season training with the club doesn't do him any favours either but we were delighted with his play and his attitude and commitment.[LNB]'He made the first goal and his strike was fantastic. He scored last week and I am sure that has given him confidence to go forward.'[LNB] Torres finds his touch to give Dalglish a kickstartKenny Dalglish: I've been knocked out by the changes at LiverpoolBlackpool boss Holloway dismisses 'disgraceful' Liverpool bid for Adam[LNB] [LNB]  Explore more:People: Kenny Dalglish, Roy Hodgson, Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard Places: Liverpool, Spain, United Kingdom, Portugal

Source: Daily_Mail