Alberto Moreno has reflected on advice he received as a young boy as the source of his determination to turn things around at Liverpool.
The Spaniard lost his place in the team last season and spent a lot of time on the sidelines watching on as James Milner made the left-back position his own.
After a torrid campaign, Moreno has since mounted an inspired comeback and reclaimed his spot in Jurgen Klopp’s starting lineup.
His first test came in preseason when he had to prove he was simply worthy of a place at the club. He passed with flying colours and diminished suggestions he was a certainty to move on in the summer.
Moreno has revealed the impact of the wise words from his father that remain imprinted on his mind.
“When my dad first saw me playing and started to get the idea I could go all the way and make it as a professional player, he used to instil in me this ethic of working hard,” Moreno told Liverpoolfc.com.
“He said ‘If you work hard, keep at it, be focused mentally and physically, look after yourself, you’ve got it within you to go all the way.’ You don’t believe it because at that age all you want to do is play the next game and have fun, you don’t look beyond that.”
“But over the years, as you grow your ability and strength and belief, in the back of your mind you start to believe you can make it as a player yourself.”
“But it’s very difficult and you do make lots of sacrifices. When you get to the teenage years and all your mates are going out, you want to keep fit and lead a healthy life and look after yourself because you want to be a player.”
“So last season, for just one bad season I’m not going to let all that hard work and sacrifice and mental strength go and throw it to waste.”
SEE MORE:
Spartak receive disgracefully soft punishment for racist abuse of Bobby Adekanye
Moreno has been a prominent figure for the Reds so far this season and seen his strong form limit the involvement of summer-signing Andrew Robertson.
Though there remains obvious room for improvement, Moreno’s resurgence and dedication to stepping up his game has earned him a lot of respect from supporters.
The 25-year-old could have left in the summer, but chose to stay and put up a fight. That alone makes him worthy of some credit.