'Toure credit proves we can compete'
Receiving credit from Barclays Premier League winner Yaya Toure is clear evidence that Liverpool are proving their worth under Brendan Rodgers, according to Joe Allen.
The Reds were unfortunate not to claim three points against Manchester City when the two sides locked horns at Anfield earlier this season, with a late error by Martin Skrtel gifting the visitors a 2-2 draw.
Allen utilised the full range of his passing skills during that encounter, giving Liverpool supporters an early glimpse of his ability following his switch to Merseyside from Swansea.
Ivorian powerhouse Toure commented in the aftermath of the clash that it was the toughest game he had played in - comments which pleased the diminutive Allen.
"Most people would agree that we deserved to win that game," the 22-year-old reflected to Liverpoolfc.com.
"We didn't quite have that bit of luck that sometimes you need to see games like that through.
"For the likes of Yaya Toure to say that it's the toughest game he's played in is probably the credit that this team deserves in terms of the way we can play. Let's hope we can do that again."
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Given the obvious size and power disadvantage Allen suffers when opposing Toure in the centre of the park, the midfielder would potentially be pleased that the City man is currently away at the Africa Cup of Nations.
But, in contrast, the Welshman relishes the obstacle physical players can present.
He added: "It's a massive task coming up against the physical nature of a player like him. They are the challenges that you look forward to.
"It's a no-brainer that on a physical level I'm going to be able to compete with him, but you have to find solutions to get around that. That's what I'll be working on."
Rodgers' team travel to Manchester just four days after a pulsating draw with Arsenal, and Allen insisted that Liverpool can approach the fixture with confidence.
"They're the champions of last season and their record at the Etihad is pretty incredible," said the schemer.
"It's an exciting game, though, and one that we'll go into with confidence again - as we have to be and always are - that we can get the result we're after."