Rodgers: Borini can be Liverpool favorite

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says new signing Fabio Borini will be a great asset for the club in the future.

After the Italy international signed a long-term deal to move from Roma to Anfield, Rodgers said Borini's versatility would make him a fans' favorite.

"I was very keen to bring him here. Fabio fits the model of what we're trying to do in building not only for now, but also for the future," he told Liverpool's website.

"He's a big talent, 21 years of age, he scores goals, and his passion, focus and concentration is a very important part of his game - and a big part of what you want from a player."

Borini previously worked with Rodgers in Chelsea's youth set-up and more recently when he was on loan at Swansea City in 2011.

"He is arguably the best physical player I've worked with"
- Brendan Rodgers

Rodgers added: "[Chelsea] took him in from Bologna when he was 16 and he progressed incredibly well as a young player to go on to play for the first team at Chelsea.

"It didn't work out in terms of he couldn't agree a contract, but before he left I took him on loan to Swansea and he made a big, big impression there and really helped us in our promotion charge that season.

"He left and went away (to Roma) and in the last season he's done incredibly well.

"I think the supporters will love him. As I said, he's a goalscorer, but he's a multifunctional player who can play in a number of positions - and someone I believe has got great growth."

Borini, 21, made four first-team appearances for Chelsea, before firing six goals in 12 appearances at Swansea.

Rodgers said: "He is arguably the best physical player I've worked with in terms of his pace, power and fitness.

"Mentally, he's very strong. We've got a player who is on the up and someone who I think Liverpool will benefit from."

Source