Fabio Borini has revealed he is staying behind after training for extra shooting practice as he seeks to consistently put his name on the scoresheet for Liverpool.
The Italian has bagged one goal in eight appearances since arriving at Anfield from Roma during the summer — a record the 21-year-old is determined to improve upon.
So much so that Borini can often be found perfecting his aim and learning from teammate Luis Suarez at Melwood long after the regular sessions have concluded.
"I'm working really hard on the training ground," he told Liverpoolfc.com. "On my physical condition, technical side and tactical as well, with the manager and the assistant manager after training, with Luis and all the other players."
Having largely been used on the right-hand side so far this season, Borini found himself in a more central position against Sunderland on Saturday, and was presented with a couple of chances to score.
The forward did not add to his tally on that occasion but is confident that the situation will change provided he keeps putting himself in the right positions.
"There's not a particular key that can convert the chances into goals," Borini continued.
"It's just probably a moment or a matter of inches or luck. But I think we have qualities to convert the chances, we see in training and we work everyday on shooting. It will come.
"I know they will come because as a striker you always get chances in a game. It's probably just a moment that you get unlucky or the keeper makes saves. It's just a moment."
The youngster revealed he has 'settled in quite well' to life with Liverpool and, after beginning preseason late due to his Euro 2012 commitments with Italy, is relishing the chance to prove himself.
"I've played lots of games and I've been involved in all of them. It's great for me because I can get more experience than I played last year," the former Chelsea and Swansea City player explained.
"I can get more experience in any kind of football — English Premier League and European football — which is very good for me. I didn't have preseason training, it was hard at the beginning but now I feel a lot better."
By playing anywhere across the forward line Borini has already proven his versatility for the Reds, and the Italian said he would be happy to play in any position to help the team — even goalkeeper.
"My favourite position and my natural position, as I've said in the past, is up front, because I played there every time in my career," the No. 29 said.
"But if to help the team I need to play left or right, midfield or even in goal, it's not a problem because to help the team I will do anything. That's the way it is, and all the players have to do that."
Reflecting on the 1-1 draw with the Black Cats last weekend, Borini felt Liverpool deserved more from the match.
"I think we played quite well, as the manager wants, and we have been unlucky with our opportunities," he added.
"I had two good chances in the first half, we hit the crossbar, we hit the post. They actually probably had one shot on goal and scored one. We've been unlucky, as maybe the last few games have been. But I think we made our point and our style.
"It's not about points but getting the win. That was more the feeling, because we wanted the win. We didn't get the win even though we probably deserved it."
Borini is more aware than most of how manager Brendan Rodgers works, having experienced the Northern Irishman's methods at Chelsea and Swansea, and the forward believes commitment and the right attitude are key factors for success.
"We need to show our commitment every game because if our attitude is not right, we can lose games easily. That's the first thing that you need to have, the attitude right," he explained.
The Bentivoglio native also offered his unique insight into the emotional events of the past week following the release of the Hillsborough Independent Panel report last Wednesday.
"It was something that I'd never felt before because it was a really difficult situation for people who don't live in Liverpool or don't support Liverpool," Borini concluded.
"It was a strange feeling but it really got into me and I know that it was really important for the people, even if you're not a Liverpool supporter."
Photo via LiverpoolFC.com
