Thursday, 17th April, 2014
Young Liverpool midfielder Joao Carlos Teixeira has spoken about his admiration for Reds legend Steven Gerrard and how he has modelled his game on another young Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho.
Teixeira joined Liverpool from Sporting Lisbon in January 2012 on a deal worth £830,000 and made 20 appearances for the Liverpool Under-21 side in the 2012/13 campaign, scoring two goals in the Reds’ run to the semi-finals.
The Portuguese made his first team debut for Liverpool this season when he came on as an 81st minute substitute in their game against Fulham at Craven Cottage and played a part in the move that led to Daniel Sturridge being fouled inside the penalty box; Steven Gerrard converted the penalty to win the game for the Reds 3-2.
"Steven was telling me it was 'great' what I had done when I came on and that only made me happier because Steven Gerrard was telling me I had done well”, the 21-year-old told the club’s official site.
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Teixeira admits that he looks up to Gerrard and Coutinho in the Liverpool squad and has learned a lot from the midfield duo.
"I learn the most off Steven Gerrard and Philippe Coutinho.
"Me and Philippe play in similar positions and are similar players.”
Teixeira joined Sporting Lisbon in 2004 from home town club Braga and progressed through the ranks before he started training with the first team in the 2011/12 season.
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