Goals for Borini "A Matter of Time"

Opinions are understandably mixed when it comes to Fabio Borini, the 21 year-old Italian striker that Brendan Rodgers landed for £10.5m in his first signing as Liverpool manager. The work rate and commitment is undeniably, but much like the former Liverpool striker cum winger he's often compared to, there's the small matter of converting the tireless effort into an end product. Dirk Kuyt eventually managed it, scoring numerous big goals for the club, and those who haven't labeled Borini a bust quite yet are quick to point out that it took Kuyt a fair bit of time before chances started finding the back of the net.

Borini's obviously well-aware of the need to take his chances, and earlier today he pointed out how he managed a recovery from a long layoff last season from goals and match action:

"It's just a matter of time for me. The same thing happened last season. I scored one goal before October, then got injured for three months and after that I scored my second goal in January. From January until March I scored eight goals. I know from past experience that the goals will come. In Swansea I scored six goals from March until May. The goals do come.

"The position I have been playing at Liverpool has been different as well. It hasn't been as the main striker. Luis Suárez is the centre-forward and he has scored five goals in six games. I know I have been bought to score goals but I don't feel the pressure. I don't need to rush my performances. I'm working hard every day in training and the goals will come."

It's nice to read comments that indicate confidence the striker has in himself, as well as the apparent confidence that other have in him to come good. It's clear that Brendan Rodgers is a strong advocate of Borini's and had some early chances gone one way or the other--a volley just wide against Manchester City in front of the Kop, two efforts well saved by Simon Mignolet at the Stadium of Light--a discussion about the need for patience wouldn't be necessary.

He's not nearly a finished product, and he's probably been guilty of trying too hard at times, even though his words don't indicate the presence of any anxiety about his place in the side. It's not as thought an inability to convert chances is a problem unique to Fabio Borini for Liverpool; scoring goals hasn't been one of Liverpool's strong suits over the past few seasons, and as a collective they'll need to be better. He's going to get his chances, be they in the cups or in the Premier League, and we're left to hope that he comes good on his word.