Anfield awaits González

Anfield awaits Gonz‡lez Friday, 22 July 2005 By Dan Brennan & Andres Garavaglia

Amid the recent confusion over Steven Gerrard's future at Anfield, Liverpool's capture of loan-signing Mark Gonz‡lez from Albacete BalompiŽ went almost unnoticed. But the 20-year-old winger, regarded as one of Chile's brightest young talents, has been a long-term target for Rafael Ben’tez.

Wounded knee Despite Albacete's relegation from Spain's top flight, and a cruciate knee injury that has sidelined him for the last few months, Gonz‡lez emerged from last season with huge credit, and he is now relishing the chance to make his mark in the Premiership.

uefa.com: Rafael Ben’tez apparently had his eye on you for some time. When did you first become aware of Liverpool's interest?

Mark Gonz‡lez: I found out from Albacete quite a while ago. But I didn't want to get distracted so I tried to forget about it until it was confirmed.

uefa.com: Given that you are currently recovering from cruciate knee injury was it a surprise that Liverpool wanted you to join so soon?

Gonz‡lez: Yes, but they have been watching me since last year, and I guess they know I am still young and will recover quickly. My recovery is ahead of schedule, so I hope to be able to make my debut soon. Ben’tez has told me just to focus on getting fit. He said he knows all about my quality and that I don't have to pbutt any exams.

uefa.com: Going from relegated Albacete to the European Champions seems like a big leap. Are you ready?

Gonz‡lez: I couldn't ask for any more. I hope I can be useful to the team and satisfy everyone at the club - coaches, players and supporters. I just hope there isn't too much expectation. That will make things easier. I'd love a permanent move but right now I am just thankful to be here. I'm going to work very hard and hopefully will prove my value to the club.

uefa.com: The Premiership is more physical than Spanish football. Are you confident that you can adapt to England?

Gonz‡lez: I am sure I can. Spanish football can be tough too. I think I will have more space on the pitch in England. I'm confident I can get to grips with the way things work there. The only thing that maybe has me a little bit worried is that I have signed only for one season. I trust in my skills and quality but I will need a bit of time to show what I can do.

uefa.com: What are your main strengths?

Gonz‡lez: I'm fast, I like to win the ball in the midfield, and I can head the ball quite well. But most of my coaches say my best buttet is my long-range shooting. I'm comfortable as a winger or a striker. As a winger I can get more involved in other areas of the pitch. But then, of course, I can't deny that scoring goals is really nice too.

uefa.com: What are your hopes for your season at Liverpool?

Gonz‡lez: For a young player like me this is an incredible experience. I want to take things step by step and enjoy this chance that life has given me. The Premiership title would be fine. Another UEFA Champions League would be superb... and then maybe the FIFA World Club Championship. Obviously, I want to make my mark. Maybe I can open the way for other Chileans - that would make me very proud. It would be fantastic to hear a radio announcement back home saying: 'Mark Gonz‡lez of Liverpool scores for Chile'.