'Jose deserves Spain call'
Fabio Aurelio believes Jose Enrique's impressive Liverpool form is deserving of international honours.
The Spanish full-back has yet to play for his country, but having made an excellent start to his Reds career following his August transfer from Newcastle United, Aurelio feels his defensive compatriot has demonstrated he has the quality to represent La Furia Roja.
Asked about calls for Enrique to be given a Spain call up, Aurelio told Liverpoolfc.tv: "I would agree with that. He is doing very well in England, first at Newcastle and now here, so he has shown he has the quality to do it.
"Spain don't have a chosen left-back yet, so I think he could earn a chance to prove himself."
Enrique has tallied 11 Liverpool appearances so far having made a seamless transition from the north east to Anfield.
Click play to watch Fabio discuss left-backs and Enrique
Indeed, only Luis Suarez has won more fans' Man of the Match votes on this website.
Aurelio added: "He has adapted very, very quickly to the team and the dressing room. He is doing very well. Physically he is very strong and quick, so this has helped the team and helped him too on the pitch.
"I think they are the main qualities a full-back needs. In football today, there are a lot of wingers with pace and ability, so speed is very important and can help you with positioning and other things.
"He's got it and he has been very good for us."
Enrique's arrival at Anfield added to the number of quality full-backs at Kenny Dalglish's disposal.
As well as established stars such as Aurelio, Glen Johnson and Martin Kelly, Liverpool also have blossoming youngsters Jack Robinson and Jon Flanagan within the ranks.
The pair impressed upon breaking into the first team last season, and though they have found opportunities harder come by so far this term, Aurelio feels the Reds will be well represented in the full-back areas for years to come.
He said: "Maybe because of the improvement of the squad, Jack and Flanagan are not having as much an opportunity as maybe they had last season.
"But it has been very good for them to be working with the first team every day and gain experience that way. It will help them in the future when they get the opportunity they are looking for.
"It looks like a good future for Liverpool on both sides of the defence.
"Both of them appear to be very knowledgeable, try to improve every day and listen to people. They have a long way to go, but they are going the right way."
On a personal level, Aurelio has yet to figure in competitive action for Liverpool so far in 2011-12.
The Brazilian picked up a knock on the eve of the new Barclays Premier League campaign, which kept him sidelined until last month.
Aurelio returned in the friendly with Glasgow Rangers at Ibrox on October 18 and was an unused substitute in the Carling Cup win at Stoke City one week later.
Click play to watch Aurelio's thoughts on his fitness
He admits the injury set back he sustained in August left him frustrated - but now the 32-year-old is eager to return to the first team and has pledged to continue to do all he can on the Melwood training pitches to stake his claim to Kenny Dalglish.
He said: "I feel stronger. Obviously when you don't have many minutes on the pitch your match fitness is not the same, but I feel very comfortable in training. I am at a big club and I need to be ready to take an opportunity.
"As always, all I ask is to be fit, available, enjoy training sessions and make the best of it.
"Then it is in the hands of Kenny to decide whether he wants to use me or not. My desire is to be always available."
