Caulker: Liverpool are good – they battered me

Matt Stead

Steven Caulker says he is aware of the “style” of Liverpool, with the club’s new loan signing adding that he knows “what they’re capable of”.

Caulker joined the Reds on loan from QPR on Tuesday, with Jurgen Klopp explaining the deal as one where the club sought experience and heading ability.

With Kolo Toure Liverpool’s only central defender certain to be fit against Arsenal on Wednesday, Caulker could make his full debut almost instantly after being registered in time.

The 24-year-old, who has enjoyed spells at Tottenham, Swansea and Cardiff, spent the first half of the season on loan at Southampton, with his last appearance for the club coming in a 6-1 thrashing at the hands of Liverpool in the Capital One Cup in December.

England international Caulker insists he is aware of the challenge facing him at Anfield, and is looking forward to helping the team “in any way possible”.

“It’s a club I’ve watched for many years,” he told the Liverpool Echo. “And I am very aware of the style in which they play and the expectations of the club. It’s a challenge I am very much looking forward to.

“It’d be nice to pull on a Liverpool shirt and walk out at Anfield – that’d be a very special moment. If I make a lot of appearances here, I’d be delighted and it’s something I’d be very proud of. If I can help the team in any way possible, that’d be a big plus to me.

“I don’t know what the future holds but for now it’s about taking each day as it comes, there’s a big game tomorrow and if I’m selected then I’ll obviously try my best to go out there and help the team.

“They don’t come much bigger than that (Arsenal). It’s a tough start but an exciting game and one every kid dreams of playing in. If I get the opportunity then I’ll be raring to go and looking forward to it.”

Caulker said that he had been told of Liverpool’s interest on Sunday, before adding: “The team have obviously had a change of manager and that can sometimes be difficult, but I was on the receiving end of a battering from Liverpool so I know what they’re capable of and how good of a dressing room it is with a fantastic manager behind them.

“It’s a team that can go all the way, it just needs to find rhythm, get the players back fit and who knows where it can end up at the end of the season?

“I am going to try my best to help the team to kick on and do great things. I am very honoured to hopefully wear the shirt one day and be a part of this club.”

Liverpool Steven Caulker