Young Portuguese playmaker Joao Teixeira, who at 22-years-old is not actually that young, has been told by Brendan Rodgers to wait patiently this term – because he’ll get an opportunity.
“I had a chat with Brendan during the summer and in that conversation he told me that I could have my chances here,” Teixeira told the Echo.
“What I am trying to do is make sure that I am on top of my game.
“There are so many games to play over the course of the season in the Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup and Capital One Cup, so I’m hopeful that I will get some chances and the opportunity to play minutes in some of these games.”
The quotes and the player’s ambition are impressive but perhaps seem a little misguided as Teixeira’s actually been left out of the Europa League squad, and therefore has no chance of playing this evening.
He wasn’t involved in the League Cup match either, and has yet to make the bench once this season.
During pre-season though the attacking midfielder impressed on tour, scoring from 40-yards in a quickly arranged friendly versus Felda United.
On the surface, Teixeira has all the qualities Rodgers demands of his players. He’s technically sound, has an eye for a pass and enjoys playing in small triangles in the final third.
But so far, Rodgers hasn’t felt the need to use him, with Coutinho, Adam Lallana and (before he was injured) Roberto Firmino ahead in the pecking order.
Only a set of injuries to the playmakers will see Teixeira required, we feel.