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On Loan Luis Alberto Seeks Anfield Return

The young Spaniard still wants to prove himself in Red, and thinks Klopp's arrival makes the club even more appealing than before.

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

Do you remember Luis Alberto? No? Because he remembers us. The 23-year-old Spanish midfielder has spent the last year on loan at La Liga's Deportivo la Coruna, where he has contributed 6 goals and an equal number of assists in 28 appearances for the struggling Spanish side.

In an interview, Alberto stated his desire to come back to Merseyside and earn a spot on the squad, and how Klopp's arrival has given him increased motivation:

It is obvious that having Klopp as a manager is an extra motivation to return to Liverpool.

When I was there I could see that he has changed everything, the atmosphere and the club. You can feel it. Everything I heard about him was good. He is transforming Liverpool. Of course I am very excited to work under him, trying to improve and stay in the squad to becoming into an important player for Liverpool.

Since the arrival of Klopp, the feeling has been positive, they have been in contact with me through one of his assistants and all we have spoken about has been positive.

Alberto says he also feels an obligation to repay the club for investing in a relatively unknown player.

I have to go back to Liverpool and then let's see what happens. Once the seasons start, Klopp will be the one to take the decision on whether I stay or not. I still have a year left in contract and the club will have to make the decision.

It is obvious I would love to play in the Europa League and in the Champions League. But I have to wait. Liverpool paid €8m for when I was nobody. That was a big effort. It was a gamble and I have to thank them not only with words but with my football. I feel a little bit in debt with them for giving me the opportunity to play in a historic club.

Luis Alberto will face an uphill battle to find a spot in next year's squad, both from current players, and from incoming ones, including other returning Liverpool loanees such as Lazar Markovic, and Sergi Canos. However, his statements illustrate the importance of having a world-famous, successful manager at the helm, and how the Klopp Factor can pay dividends over the transfer window.

Welcome back soon, Luis, and good luck!

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