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Jose Enrique Excited by Liverpool’s New Style of Play, Fit-Again Fullback Sees Spanish Influence

Jose Enrique says Liverpool's performances so far this season have deserved better reward, as the Spanish defender prepares to complete a full recovery from injury.

A niggling knee problem has restricted Enrique to six appearances during the current campaign, with teammate Glen Johnson switching across to left-back in his absence.

But a watching brief has given the 26-year-old a prime vantage point to assess the changes being made by manager Brendan Rodgers to the team's style of play.

"Brendan Rodgers' style of play suits me," Enrique explained to the Liverpool Echo. "His formation and tactics are the type of football I like to be involved in.

"It's probably different to the way most football teams in this country normally play. It's a style that is more like the way football is played in Spain or by the Spanish national team.

"All of our training is done with the ball and it's a very enjoyable way to work. We are trying to play a different way under the manager and it's worked at times.

"The way we've played so far this season has probably deserved better results, especially at home when we've dominated but not taken the points."

Enrique enjoyed his first taste of action in a month when the defender was introduced as a second-half substitute during the 1-0 victory against Reading on Saturday.

Having played with pain at the outset of the campaign, a lay-off has helped him return to full fitness and the No. 3 now feels he is ready for action once again.

"It's been difficult as every footballer just wants to play," he continued. "I tried to but was getting a lot of pain in my knee and because of that I couldn't perform at my true level.

"I got injured in training when I tried a shot. I twisted something and it didn't feel right. It took a few weeks to recover but now it finally seems to be okay again."

While Enrique has been sidelined, the likes of Andre Wisdom have grasped their opportunity to stake a first-team claim — something which has pleased the left-back.

"It's really great to see youngsters doing a good job for the team and I hope that continues," added the defender, who also described midfielder Jonjo Shelvey as "an amazing player."

"It's clear that the lads who have come in are really good players. They also have lots of confidence because they know that the manager believes in them."

Photo via Facebook/Hillsborough 1989 – Don't Ever Forget