Poulsen takes time

Liverpool midfielder Christian Poulsen admits he needs to play more matches with Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard before he fully settles in but expects a busy schedule to help.

The Denmark international played his first game alongside the club's two biggest stars in Sunday's victory over West Brom, having previously featured in the two-legged Europa League play-off against Trabzonspor. He acknowledges being in a team with Torres and Gerrard involves certain requirements.

"I feel comfortable here. The match against West Brom was the first game with Fernando and the captain so you have to learn how they want the ball," he said.

"Fernando is a strong player and can do things at speed and can do things one against one.

"You also feel Steven and Fernando have a good eye for each other and you saw that against West Brom - I hope it will get even better."

Poulsen believes he too will improve given a run of matches in the first team.

"When I came here I had not played since the World Cup so I feel I need some time to get into the rhythm," added the 30-year-old, a summer arrival from Juventus.

"But last Thursday (in the second leg against Trabzonspor) I did better than in the first game.

"We have a lot of games so with Javier Mascherano and Alberto Aquilani leaving we need quality players for the team because for the next six months we will have a game every four days."