Talented Spanish youngster Barragan has spoken ahead of possible debut tonight

Our passage to the Champions League group stage is a formality therefore Rafa may well give opportunities to some youngsters this evening. One of these youngsters, Antonio Barragan has recently signed from Sevilla despite making no first team appearances in the Spanish League. Understandably he is very excited be the prospect of a debut at Anfield.


Speaking exclusively to Liverpoolfc.tv Barragan says: "I have to say I can't wait to play at Anfield. I have watched the two games at Anfield so far this season against TNS and Kaunas and I was very impressed by the atmosphere and I can't wait to experience it myself soon playing in the red shirt of Liverpool. "I was delighted to make my first team debut in the Champions League. It was an unforgettable experience for me and it came earlier than I expected. "Rafael Benitez was a big factor in me coming to Liverpool but just to play for the European Champions is special. I'm so proud, in fact I can't describe in words how proud I am to play for Liverpool. "After the match in Bulgaria the manager told me I did very well and I just have to continue working hard in training and fight for a place in his first team." Barragan was born in Pontedeume, Galicia, in Spain and is an under-19 international. From the tender age of six he has always wanted to be a professional footballer and is a great admirer of the Juventus and France right back Lilian Thuram. Barragan says he has tried to copy Thuram and likes his style of play. Coming to Liverpool has also given Barragan the chance to play with another one of his modern heroes and that is the Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard. Barragan adds: "I am very happy to be a Liverpool player and I can't believe I am training and playing alongside one of my favourite players in Steven Gerrard. "I am an attacking right back and love to get forward. I really admire Lilian Thuram as and have tried to model my game on him. I will keep working hard and keep improving my game." The player admits that having other Spanish players at Anfield has helped him settle quickly into life in a new country. "There are a few Spanish players at Liverpool and it does help you settle in better as they speak your language but I have been made to feel very welcome here by everyone," he says. "I am learning English and can speak a little bit and interact well with the other players. "I really like the city of Liverpool, it is a nice place. I am staying with a lovely family who have made me very welcome and I am really enjoying it."