Danny Ings To Embrace Hard Work, Avoid Jersey Pressure At Liverpool

Danny Ings will try his best to keep defenders off balance and expectations on an even keel as he begins his Liverpool career.

Ings discussed his impending transfer from Burnley to Liverpool on Monday, telling reporters he’ll approach the early days of his Anfield career with determination to succeed and a willingness to learn, according to The Telegraph.

Ings, 22, described his decision to join Liverpool instead of other interested clubs as an easy one because of manager Brendan Rodgers’ track record of helping improve young players.

“He is good with young players, and as soon as I knew he was interested, it was a no-brainer, and it was best for me to join Liverpool,” Ings said, according to the Telegraph. “It is a challenge I am really looking forward to, and I can’t wait to get going. I’ve always had that confidence but, of course, it is a boost being a Liverpool player. I can’t wait to get started; to work with Brendan Rodgers and the players at Liverpool is an unbelievable dream come true for me.”

Ings scored 11 goals (plus four assists) in 35 games last season in his debut Premier League campaign, earning a reputation as a dependable striker and a high-profile transfer in the process. But there’s more to Ings’ game than goals, as he can play in a number of attacking positions.

“I’ve been playing one position for the last couple of years as a main striker. Also, I can play in a number of positions, which is a good thing to have. I can play on the left, as a No. 10 … or off the right. The strikers at Liverpool are fantastic and there will be competition. The way I looked at it, I will get a lot more game time playing in different positions learning my trade as a young professional.”

Ings will listen to Rodgers and compete with his teammates, but he won’t wrestle with history at Liverpool — at least in the near term. Ings reportedly has chosen No. 28, shunning the chance to don Nos. 7 and 8, which are available following the recent departures of Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard, respectively.

“I stayed away from the low numbers!” Ings joked. “I’d make sure I’m established before taking any of those numbers! I wouldn’t want to go to Liverpool and chuck a shirt on my back like that (No. 8). It’s a pressure you don’t need. You’ve got to take that pressure off yourself as a young lad coming through. The expectation at clubs like that is huge. It’s such a huge club. I’m going to work my socks off to earn that number one day. That’s something I’ll look forward to. For now, I’ll take a high number and work hard.”

Ings will be subject of much focus, as Liverpool seeks to ease the goal-scoring woes that undermined it last season. Ings can earn a regular place under Rodgers with a few goals. Momentum then can carry him to a lower jersey number and a firmer place in the hearts of Liverpool fans.