Liverpool FC: Jose Enrique for Spain, says Fabio Aurelio

Nov 14 2011 by Neil Jones, Liverpool Echo

Liverpool FC: Jose Enrique for Spain, says Fabio Aurelio

FABIO AURELIO believes Liverpool team-mate Jose Enrique deserves a call-up to the Spanish national side.

The 25-year-old has made an impressive start to his Anfield career following his £6m move from Newcastle United in the summer, starting every Premier League game so far.

The former Villarreal man, who has three U21 caps to his name, is yet to be rewarded with a senior cap for Vicente Del Bosque’s World and European Champions, with Valencia’s Jordi Alba and Malaga’s Nacho Monreal preferred for the latest squad.

But Aurelio, whose own first-team appearances have been limited by Jose Enrique’s form this season, believes his Reds rival is deserving of a call-up.

“I would agree with that,” said the Braziian. “He is doing very well in England, first at Newcastle and now here, so he has shown he has the quality to do it.

“Spain don’t have a chosen left-back yet, so I think he could earn a chance to prove himself.”

Aurelio added: “He has adapted very, very quickly to the team and the dressing room. He is doing very well. Physically he is very strong and quick, so this has helped the team and helped him too on the pitch.

“I think they are the main qualities a full-back needs. In football today, there are a lot of wingers with pace and ability, so speed is very important and can help you with positioning and other things.

“He’s got it and he has been very good for us.”

Aurelio also revealed he is positive about the long-term future for Liverpool in the full-back areas, with teenage duo Jack Robinson and Jon Flanagan emerging, along with England U21 ace Martin Kelly.

“Maybe because of the improvement of the squad, Jack and Flanagan are not having as much an opportunity as maybe they had last season,” he added.

“But it has been very good for them to be working with the first team every day and gain experience that way. It will help them in the future when they get the opportunity they are looking for.

“It looks like a good future for Liverpool on both sides of the defence.

“Both of them appear to be very knowledgeable, try to improve every day and listen to people. They have a long way to go, but they are going the right way.”