KOP News # 1073

Coates wants more action

Liverpool defender targets further opportunities

Last Updated: April 3, 2012 5:32pm

Sebastian Coates: Liverpool defender keen to secure more first-team action under Kenny Dalglish

Liverpool defender Sebastian Coates is keen to adapt more to life in the Premier League and secure further first-team football for Kenny Dalglish's side.

The Uruguay international made the move to Anfield from Nacional in his homeland in the summer and has had to be patient on his debut season in England.

He made his debut when thrust into the fray from the bench against Tottenham at White Hart Lane as the nine-men Reds were on the wrong end of a 4-0 humbling in September.

The 21-year-old's first start came against Stoke in January and he was again in the first XI for the recent 3-2 defeat at QPR, where his wonder-goal looked to have set Kenny Dalglish's men on their way to victory before their late capitulation.

Coates admits he is learning all the time from fellow central defenders Jamie Carragher, Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger as he continues to come to terms with the hustle and bustle of top-flight English football.

"I think it's gone well so far," he told the club's official website.

Opportunities

"Obviously I would like some more opportunities to play, but I am also conscious of the fact I have to be patient and wait for those opportunities to come my way.

"I've learned a lot from Jamie, Martin and Daniel. They are different players with different characteristics, but I have picked things up from all of them and I will continue to try and do that.

"I've enjoyed playing at Anfield. Everybody told me what it would be like to play there, and it's been very special.

"The goal for the team is to win as many matches as we can. My personal goal is to try and adapt even more to the (English) game so next season I can play more.

"The football is quicker here than in Uruguay, and it's stronger and more aggressive. That's something I'm going to have to keep working towards and adapting my game to."