Enrique backs Suso to become a 'top player for Liverpool'

Posted Wednesday, September 26, 2012 by YAHOO Sport

Jose Enrique has praised the burgeoning talents of Liverpool teammate and fellow Spaniard Suso.

After making his senior debut in the Europa League last week, the 18-year-old achieved his Premier League bow against Manchester United on Sunday.

Enrique, impressed by his recent displays, has backed Suso to become a “top player for Liverpool”.

"I know Suso well because we speak Spanish together and I think he is a top player already," he told Liverpool Echo. "He can be a really top player for Liverpool and for any team in the world."

Enrique has become a mentor for his compatriot, sharing with him the importance of working hard.

"I tell him he has to work very hard in the Premier League and work back like all the other players. That is very important, but I tell him if he works hard he has all the qualities," he said. "I think he is ready now. We saw that against Manchester United. He played very well."

Enrique adds that he is also impressed with Liverpool's young starlet Raheem Sterling.

"We knew Raheem Sterling was confident because we have seen him play a few times already, but he surprised me by trying all the things he is trying in matches at 17-years-old.”

After impressing Rodgers in the Europa League, it looks likely that several young players will be given an opportunity to impress against West Brom on Wednesday night.

Enrique believes the club’s young players have the ability to beat the Premier League side, pointing to the 4-3 win over Swiss side Young Boys in the Europa League.

"Every competition is important and we all remember the League Cup well from last season," he explained. "It might be a young team again, but we saw in Switzerland how good the young players at the club are."