Supporters' chance to run rule over Liverpool new boys
LIVERPOOL supporters will get their first glimpse of the future at Prenton Park this afternoon.
Rafael Benitez's side play their first friendly of the pre-season when they travel across the Mersey for the first time in seven years to take on Coca-Cola League One neighbours Tranmere Rovers.
New signings Philipp Degen and Diego Cavalieri will be among the players expected to be on parade, with Liverpool hopeful of receiving special clearance for fellow newcomer Andrea Dossena to make his bow.
Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher are also expected to play some part, although the Spanish contingent of Fernando Torres, Pepe Reina, Alvaro Arbeloa and Xabi Alonso are among those unavailable.
Benitez is expected to use the opportunity to give a clutch of youngsters a run-out, including highly-rated Hungarian forward Krisztian Nemeth.
A sell-out 15,000 crowd is anticipated at Prenton Park for the first meeting between the teams since Liverpool won 4-2 at Tranmere in the FA Cup in 2001.
It will be a first chance for many Liverpool fans to see Degen in action, the Switzerland international having been unfit to appear for his country at this summer's Euro 2008 finals after his impending free transfer arrival from Borussia Dortmund was announced.
And the 25-year-old is hopeful of catching the eye with his all-action, attacking style from right-back.
"I don't need any encouragement to go forward it's almost automatic for me, but I'll play as the coach wants me to," said Degen. "But given the chance, I do enjoy going forward.
"I think I'm one of the quickest players. When you look at my power and pace, I don't think I'll be at the back of the queue in a race. I don't think I'm fast enough to catch a pigeon, though!
"But it's not about me, it's about how I contribute the team rather than my individual abilities. That's what I'm aiming for."
Despite having already gained plenty of experience in his career, Degen believes the demands of pulling on a Liverpool shirt are "unique".
"I've played international level, played in the Champions League and at Borussia Dortmund we played in front of 80,000 every home game, but I'm aware what I have to expect coming to Liverpool. It's not just a little club.
"I followed the Premier League when in Germany and it is one of the best leagues in the world. The fast style of football is renowned over there.
"And obviously I've followed the Champions League progress of Liverpool. English teams are well known because they are doing so well in Europe.
There aren't many Swiss players that have played in the Premier League so it's a great honour to be here. With my pace I feel as though I can contribute in the Premier League.
"I know Stephane Henchoz and Phillipe Senderos from the national side, but I didn't speak to them directly about coming here. Players know about the Premier League and what it's about.
"Dortmund were disappointed I left. Two or three times they have made me offers. Dortmund were aware of Liverpool's interest and increased their offers, but it's a great chance to play at a club like Liverpool, a unique opportunity."
Liverpool will leave for their Swiss training camp tomorrow, and will play games against Lucern on Wednesday and Polish side Wisla Krakow next Saturday. They also travel to Germany to face Hertha Berlin on Tuesday, July 22.
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