Source: Team_Talk
Meireles relishing Gerrard link-up
ew Liverpool signing Raul Meireles is looking forward to forming a fruitful partnership with captain Steven Gerrard.[LNB] The former Porto star moved to Anfield just days before the close of the August transfer window after manager Roy Hodgson spent £10.7million of the proceeds of Javier Mascherano's sale to Barcelona.[LNB]He has only played twice with Gerrard - with one of those appearances for just for 14 minutes as a substitute at Birmingham - and knows their on-field relationship can only improve.[LNB]Hodgson has admitted he does not yet know where the Portugal international's best position is, having played him largely in the advanced role usually taken by Gerrard.[LNB]But Meireles knows he has a long way to go to start emulating the Liverpool captain, whom he holds in the highest regard.[LNB]"For a long time, I have said that Gerrard is one of the top three midfielders in the European game," said the 27-year-old.[LNB]"Along with Michael Essien of Chelsea and Andres Iniesta of Barcelona, he has been the most difficult opponent I have faced over the years.[LNB]"Now I am his team-mate. I think we can combine well together."[LNB]Meireles said he understands Gerrard's passion in playing for his hometown club as he felt the same at Porto prior to his move.[LNB]"I can sympathise with people like Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher because, like me, they are players who have played for the major club in their city," he told LFC Weekly.[LNB]"That brings pressures that are difficult to deal with because when things go wrong, the local players sometimes feel the frustrations of the supporters a lot more."
