Nuri Sahin admits he is having to get used to new styles of play in England.
The Turkey international has featured 12 times since signing a season-long loan deal from Real Madrid.
Having already impressed football audiences in La Liga and Germany’s Bundesliga- – where he was voted best player in 2011 — Sahin is now settling into life in the Barclays Premier League.
“It’s a very tough league and every team has their own style,” he explained to the matchday program ahead of the Southampton clash. “I have never played in games such as the ones against Stoke and Everton before.
“Each team has their own style and these are all things that are new to me. That is probably the thing that has surprised me most but also makes me happy because it’s a very tough league and every team has its own story.”
Sahin has already struck three times during his loan spell but, rather than aiming to show people he is “the man,” his focus is on helping Brendan Rodgers create a unique style of football at the club.
“Of course it was nice to score goals but for me it is just as important to play my part in helping us control the game, play nice football, pass the ball well and establish good teamwork,” he said.
“For me these things are more important than only scoring goals and looking like, ‘Yes, I am the man.’ It’s key that we really play as a team and have something special that other teams don’t have. We want people to watch us and say, ‘Oh, it is Liverpool, they are playing their way.'”
“I came here because the manager told me how he wanted to play and it’s important for a player to have that knowledge. You have to make the right choice because I’m not the kind of player who can play in a long-ball side.
“The way that Brendan wants to play is one I’m comfortable with.”
Sahin has been deployed in different positions within a midfield three, though he admits his natural role is holding.
“I’ve played my whole career deeper and that’s my position,” said the 24-year-old. “But I have also played as a No. 10 here. It was new for me but I tried to help the team and do my best.
“But if I could choose a position it would be holding as I feel more comfortable playing deeper.”
