Supersub Dossena getting into stride

Liverpool defender Andrea Dossena says he belives he is starting to settle into life on Merseyside now, after coming off the bench to score twice in a week ‘“ against Spanish giants Real Madrid and Premier League leaders, Manchester United.

The Italian left-back was signed last summer for an undisclosed fee, and has struggled to make it into the first team on a regular basis.

But his two strikes to help Liverpool to emphatic victories have given Dossena renewed confidence.

“It made me very happy, of course,” he said.

“It has been a tough fight to get into this team but if you work hard every day and don’t give up, even in bad times, you get these moments and makes it worthwhile.”

Dossena added that Benitez prefers him to play in a more defensive role to what he was used to for former club Udinese in Serie A last season, where he played as a wing-back.

He said, “Compared to last season, I have changed my position – I have gone back 20 metres. This change and adapting to English football gave me some difficulties to start with, but with the help of a great coach like Rafael Benítez, I’m starting to understand how to play in the team. You adapt to step by step.”