Insua: I still have a point to prove

Emiliano Insua believes he still has a lot to prove before he can consider himself a key part of the Liverpool starting XI.

With Fabio Aurelio injured, the 20-year-old started our first seven games of 2009-10.
 
His mature performances have prompted talk of an international call from Argentina boss Diego Maradona.
 
But with Aurelio making his first start since a summer knee injury against Leeds on Tuesday, plus the presence of Italy international Andrea Dossena, Insua knows he cannot afford to rest on his laurels.
 
"The chance to play regularly has been great for me," he said.
 
"Fabio's injury gave me an opportunity to play and I have done my best to make the most of it.
 
"There is a lot of competition for places here with Fabio coming back and Andrea as well.
 
"It is a big challenge for me and I am enjoying it. Every game I have to show the manager that I deserve to stay in the team.
 
"When there are players pushing for your place you have to play even better each time you are selected.
 
"The fact that Rafa has faith in me has given me a lot of confidence. Every day he is looking at my game and helping me develop.
 
"I have learned a lot from him but I know I still have a lot to prove."
 
Insua was snapped up as a teenager from Boca Juniors in January 2007.
 
The 5ft 8ins full-back admits he had to toil in order to adapt to English football - but believes he's now better equipped to cope with the demands of the Premier League.
 
"The game is so much quicker here than in Argentina," he said.
 
"It's very different to what I had been used to and it took time for me to adjust.
 
"But I've got stronger in the past two years and I love the physical side of English football."
 
One of the areas Insua has improved is his attacking play - a fact illustrated by a forward burst and pass to set up Fernando Torres's opener against West Ham.
 
"Of course the priority is to defend well but I know I also have to influence things in the attacking third," he said.
 
"As a full-back it's your job to get forward and help provide width.
 
"Against West Ham I anticipated Fernando's run and picked him out with the pass.
 
"The way he beat the defender was amazing and it was a special goal. Fernando proved what a very important player he is for us.
 
"Hopefully I can have a part to play in lots more goals like that."