Luis García's forward march

By Brian Brownstein
 
Liverpool FC playmaker Luis García is revelling in the opportunity to play in attack for the English Premiership club. The talented midfield player has been moved into the frontline in the wake of a horrific injury suffered by the club's first-choice forward Djibril Cissé.

Striking void
The French international broke his leg in two places in a league match against Blackburn Rovers FC just over one week ago, leaving the Anfield club light in the striking department. Luis García, 26, has a lot of sympathy for his team-mate, yet is relishing the challenge to fill the void left by his absence.

'I like the ball'
"It was very hard to see Djibril crying out in agony and we all feel for him and what he is going through. He is a very good player and we'll miss him." the Spaniard told uefa.com. "However, I like the responsibility which is on my shoulders now, to score and win the games for Liverpool. I like the ball. I like to play football. If you play you always have responsibility and the pressure of scoring and winning the game. I am confident of being a success."

Complete faith
Luis García, who has scored three times in nine league starts in England, believes his goals could fire Liverpool towards the top of the Premiership. The Reds are eighth, 12 points behind leaders Chelsea FC, yet the former FC Barcelona player has complete faith in his talent to help Liverpool close the gap.

Title challenge
"I am confident in my own ability - goals can cure everything," he said. "Liverpool may not be the favourites for the Premiership but I am confident we can still catch up with Chelsea. Things can change and I think by the end of the season Liverpool can be challenging the leaders. I'm sure we will go on to do well this year."

Deportivo boost
He is also encouraged by the club's form in the UEFA Champions League. The team occupy second place in Group A after a 1-0 victory at RC Deportivo La Coruña in the last round of fixtures. Luis García has been buoyed by the result, and is sure it will help Liverpool's chances of advancing in this season's competition.

European ambitions
He said: "Spanish teams are among the strongest in Europe and it was an achievement for Liverpool to beat this side. Our victory over Deportivo was very important for our Champions League ambitions, and our chances of progression."

Steady progress
Luis García is not getting ahead of himself, however. Although he believes Liverpool can challenge for both domestic and European titles this season, he is fully aware the club is going through a stage of transition under new manager Rafael Benítez. The No10 will therefore not worry if the Reds do not win anything in this campaign, comfortable in the knowledge the future looks bright for his team.

The future's red
"We are on a learning curve with a new coach and new players," he said. "It has taken us time to settle but it is a long-term project. Even if we do not win, I'm confident Liverpool can rule in the future."