Jose Enrique Ready to Beat Alberto Moreno to Starting Role at Liverpool

Liverpool left-back Jose Enrique has claimed he is ready to battle with his compatriot Alberto Moreno for a starting place in Brendan Rodgers' line-up, despite being aware that Moreno is currently the manager's first choice.

After missing much of last season due to an injury, Enrique returned to action as a substitute earlier this campaign during the 3-0 victory over Tottenham, and made his first start for the club in 11 months against Middlesbrough in the Capital One Cup.

With his recovery to full fitness progressing better than expected, Rodgers handed him a surprising starting role ahead of Moreno in the Champions League crucial game against Basel on Wednesday 1 October.

Enrique is aware that Moreno is Rodgers' first choice for left-back after moving from Sevilla in the summer for around £12m.

Moreno has since proved his worth with some impressive performances, scoring a fantastic solo goal against Spurs, but Enrique believes he has what it takes to beat him and regain the place.

"I'm fit now. Of course, he is the manager's choice at the moment, but the manager knows as well that I'm completely fit. I've already spoken with him about it. I want to play as well, like Alberto does," Enrique said to Liverpool's official website.

"So it's going to be nice competition for us. Both of us can play a little bit higher as well, so there will be a good choice.

"But it's the manager's choice and the most important thing is the team. We fight for the same thing - which is to try to get Liverpool as high as possible."

Despite the Reds' disappointing 1-0 defeat against Basel, Enrique couldn't hide his happiness about playing part in such a big game.

"I knew a few days before that I was starting because the manager told me. It was my first-ever game in the Champions League, so it was really important for me. Normally I'm not really nervous when I play against any team but on Wednesday I was a little bit nervous beforehand," he said.

"That's because it's an amazing competition to play in. I think it's the best one to play in for a club and I was really excited to play. I'm really happy to be back. My knee is feeling completely perfect.

"I'm surprised because I feel fitter than I expected to be after such a long time - 11 months - without playing. I'm really happy to be back and hopefully the manager will give me more games."