Allen: Too much talent
Joe Allen is confident a disappointing start to our league campaign will soon be forgotten - and claims there is 'too much talent' in the Liverpool dressing room for 2012-13 not to be a successful season.
The Reds have played some good football in their first three domestic games - with Allen's displays earning him our Standard Chartered Player of the Month award - but have so far taken just one point.
In an interview with Liverpoolfc.com in which he talks about becoming a father and his early impressions of Liverpool the city, our new midfielder speaks of his faith that Brendan Rodgers will guide the Reds up the table sooner rather than later.
"There have been frustrating moments, it just shows the fine line between winning and the frustration you can get.
"I think the Manchester City game is a great example of that. We could have come away with all three points, but we're faithful and confident that things are going to come good for us. We've got too much ability and talent in the team for it not to.
"Everyone knows the style of play the manager is looking to bring and is bringing to the football club.
"With the talent and ability that the players have got here, it's only going to bring the best out of everyone. In time, I'm sure we'll bring success, so I'm thrilled to be a part of this project and can't wait for the season to unfold."
Allen played at Anfield for Swansea last season but his first games as a home player have brought with them an element of surprise.
"Everyone knows what a special football club it is, the support we have, the history we have.
"But I don't think you realise just how big it is until you actually get here as a player. That feeling when you go out at Anfield is something I don't think you can experience in many other places, if anywhere in world football.
"It's very exciting for me to put on that shirt and get out there in front of those fans."
If Allen is excited by the thought of performing in front of Kopites, the feeling has so far been mutual.
His Opta stats show a 94 per cent passing accuracy - the highest in the Liverpool squad to date this season.
"I guess it's a nice little stat," added the 22-year-old. "As a player, you try not to focus too much on it, but it's always good to have that brought to you and hopefully long may it continue."
It is not just the fans who have directed nods of admiration at Allen.
Club captain Steven Gerrard commented that 'If he (Joe Allen) can keep performing to this level, then I think we've found ourselves a player.'
"Just having the chance to be in the same dressing room as someone like that inspires you to go out and perform," returned Allen.
"When I'm out there and look alongside me and see Steven Gerrard, then it makes my job on the pitch a lot easier - I can just give him the ball."
As well as moving to a new city and having to find a home, Allen has had to adapt to becoming a father after his partner Lacey gave birth to their first child.
"Obviously there are a few less hours of sleep, but it has been brilliant," he said. "The long wait for his arrival was exciting but he's finally here, and me and my partner are thrilled.
"It's all very exciting times for me, everything seems to be fitting into place all at the same time. Life is good and I'm looking forward to kicking on for the season.
"In terms of the football club, everyone has done everything they possibly can to make me feel welcome but also to settle my family here as well. We have fallen in love with the city straight away - it's a great place that we're looking forward to living in. It's a city that's football crazy, which suits us down to the ground."